Hjartasamdráttur

Hjartasamdráttur is the Icelandic term for a heart contraction or heartbeat. This fundamental physiological process is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. The heart, a muscular organ, operates in a rhythmic cycle of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole). During systole, the heart muscle contracts, forcing blood out into the arteries. Diastole follows, where the heart muscle relaxes, allowing the chambers to fill with blood in preparation for the next contraction. This continuous pumping action ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to all tissues and organs, while waste products are removed. The rate of hjartasamdráttur, or heart rate, can vary depending on factors such as physical activity, emotional state, and overall health. A typical resting heart rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Irregularities in the hjartasamdráttur can indicate underlying cardiac conditions.