Heart beat
The periodic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscles is known as the heartbeat, or pulse, and it is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Usually, it is expressed in beats per minute (bpm). There are two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (bottom chambers) in the heart. To properly pump blood, the electrical circuitry of the heart synchronizes the contractions of these chambers.
Adults normally have a resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, however this can vary depending on age, degree of exercise, and general health. For example, athletes may have lower resting heart rates because of their increased cardiovascular fitness.
Count the number of beats you feel in a minute by placing your index and middle fingers on the carotid artery in your neck or the radial artery in your wrist to check your pulse. Remember that heart rate may be affected by a number of things, such as physical activity, stress, and specific medical disorders. Seeking advice from a healthcare practitioner is advised if you observe any odd changes in your heart rate or if you have concerns about it.
What's a normal resting heart rate?
A normal resting heart rate for adults is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). However, it’s important to note that individual variations exist, and factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health can influence the resting heart rate.
Athletes and individuals who engage in regular cardiovascular exercise may have lower resting heart rates, often below 60 bpm. On the other hand, factors like stress, dehydration, certain medications, or medical conditions can cause an elevated resting heart rate.
If you have concerns about your resting heart rate or notice any significant changes, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They can help determine whether your heart rate is within a healthy range based on your individual circumstances.
Heart beat reason
The heartbeat is a vital physiological process that serves the fundamental purpose of pumping blood throughout the body. The heart is a muscular organ with four chambers: two atria (upper chambers) and two ventricles (lower chambers). The heartbeat is the result of a coordinated series of contractions and relaxations of these chambers, driven by the heart’s electrical system.
Here’s a simplified explanation of how the heartbeat works:
Atrial Contraction (Atrial Systole): The heartbeat begins with the contraction of the atria. This contraction forces blood into the ventricles.
Ventricular Contraction (Ventricular Systole): After the atria contract and fill the ventricles, the ventricles contract to pump blood out to the rest of the body. The right ventricle sends blood to the lungs for oxygenation, while the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
Relaxation (Diastole): After contraction, the heart muscles relax to allow blood to flow into the chambers again. This phase is called diastole.
The electrical impulses that trigger these contractions originate in the sinoatrial (SA) node, often referred to as the heart’s natural pacemaker. The SA node generates electrical signals that travel through the heart’s conducting system, stimulating the contractions in a coordinated sequence.
Several factors can influence the heartbeat, including:
Autonomic Nervous System: The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system play a role in regulating heart rate. Sympathetic activity generally increases heart rate, while parasympathetic activity tends to decrease it.
Hormones: Hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) can increase heart rate, especially in response to stress or physical activity.
Fitness Level: Regular exercise and cardiovascular fitness can lead to a lower resting heart rate.
Age: Resting heart rate tends to be higher in infants and decreases with age.
If there are concerns about your heartbeat or if you experience irregularities, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and appropriate guidance. Irregularities in the heartbeat can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions that may require medical attention.