Cardiac Cycle

Abstract

• Every single beat of the heart involves three major stages: cardiac diastole, when chambers are relaxed and filling passively; atrial systole when the atria contract leading to ventricular filling; and ventricular systole when blood is ejected into both the pulmonary artery and aorta. • Pulse is a way of measuring heartbeat, based on the arterial distensions or pulses that occur as blood is pushed through the arteries. • Resting heart rate typically ranges from 60 to 100 bpm (beats per minute). Athletes often have significantly lower than average heart rates while the sedentary and obese typically have elevated heart rates. • Systolic blood pressure is the pressure during heart contraction, while diastolic blood pressure is the pressure during heart relaxation. • The normal range for blood pressure is between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.