A heartbeat is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle, which pumps blood throughout the body. The heart's electrical system controls the speed and rhythm of these contractions. The heart pumps blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen and then sends oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
The heart beat has two main phases:
- Systole: This is the contraction phase where the heart pumps blood out of the chambers.
- Diastole: This is the relaxation phase where the heart chambers fill with blood.
Factors that can affect heart rate include:
- Age
- Health status
- Physical activity
- Medications
- Stress
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Smoking
A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate above 100 beats per minute while at rest is known as tachycardia, while a slow heart rate below 60 beats per minute is known as bradycardia.
The heartbeat is essential for life, providing oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body.
