Sydänrytmi

Sydänrytmi refers to the regular beating of the heart. It is the rhythmic sequence of electrical and mechanical events that cause the heart to contract and pump blood throughout the body. This rhythm is initiated and controlled by the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium. The SA node generates electrical impulses that spread through the atria, causing them to contract. These impulses then travel to the atrioventricular (AV) node, where they are briefly delayed before being transmitted to the ventricles, causing them to contract.

The normal heart rhythm is called a sinus rhythm. The rate of the heart rhythm, or heart rate, varies depending on factors such as age, physical activity, and emotional state. A typical resting heart rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Deviations from the normal rhythm can be categorized as arrhythmias or dysrhythmias. These can manifest as a heart beating too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly.

Various factors can influence heart rhythm, including underlying heart conditions, electrolyte imbalances, stress, and certain medications. Medical professionals assess heart rhythm through methods like electrocardiography (ECG), which records the electrical activity of the heart. Monitoring and understanding heart rhythm is crucial for diagnosing and managing cardiovascular health.