The amazing heart undergoes a complex sequence of organized events, just about every second of every day, known as “the cardiac cycle.” The contraction of the upper chambers, known as the atria, precede that of the pumping chambers, known as the ventricles.

When a chamber fills with blood, we refer to that as diastole. When the chamber ejects blood, we refer to it as systole. This orchestrated series of events occurs synchronously due to microscopic electrical channels, known as “the conduction system” of the heart.

All of this combines into maintaining our blood pressure, which changes with exercise, and can be monitored on ECG and pressure tracings, as shown in the video below.

Even with modern scientific advances, such as the implantable ventricular assist devices, no technology has yet to be developed that is as magnificent as the original design and function of our hearts!

Recent Posts

Hibernating Myocardium

Dec 2, 2024 | Video

Hibernating myocardium is a condition where a part of the heart muscle has difficulty contracting due to reduced blood flow. It can occur over days, months, or years, and can be reversed with revascularization. With permission from the patient to post, this video...

Triple Valve Surgery and Atrial Fibrillation

Nov 4, 2024 | Testimonial, Video

Atrial fibrillation is often described as either valvular AFib or nonvalvular AFib. AFib is considered valvular when seen in patients who have a heart valve disorder or a prosthetic heart valve in place. Nonvalvular AFib maybe caused by medical disorders such as high...

Respiratory Care Week

Oct 24, 2024 | Hospital News

Respiratory Care Week is a special time to honor the hard work and dedication of respiratory therapists. Their impact on patient care is truly invaluable. As key members of our collaborative heart team, they play a crucial role in caring for our post-operative...

Beautiful Hospitals Impact Healing

Oct 11, 2024 | Musing

I’ve been fortunate to work at aesthetically beautiful hospitals for my entire career. It’s important to understand that beautifully-designed hospital spaces do have a positive impact on healing, from allowing in natural light, to the construction of healing gardens...

How Safe are GLP Medications?

Sep 16, 2024 | Education, Video

Drugs known as GLP-1 medications are being widely prescribed in the United States. The most well-known are Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, Cagrisema, and Rybelsus. In this video, I explained the basics, including how they work, their impact on the heart, and some of their...

Tricuspid Valve Repair

Sep 9, 2024 | Testimonial, Video

With permission from the patient to post, this active 77-year-old man from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was troubled by severe tricuspid valve regurgitation secondary to chronic atrial fibrillation. His symptoms included extreme tiredness, shortness of breath with...