The heartbeat, also known as the cardiac cycle, is the sequence of events that occurs in the heart with each beat. It is a vital process that pumps blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs. A normal heartbeat is crucial for maintaining good health, and any irregularities can lead to serious health issues.
A normal adult heartbeat rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). The rhythm of the heartbeat is controlled by the sinoatrial (SA) node, a natural pacemaker located in the right atrium. The SA node sends electrical signals to the atrioventricular (AV) node, which then transmits the signals to the ventricles, causing them to contract.