hjartavöðvavirkni

hjartavöðvavirkni refers to the electrical activity of the heart muscle. It is the process by which the heart generates and conducts electrical impulses that cause the heart chambers to contract and pump blood throughout the body. This electrical activity originates in the sinoatrial (SA) node, often called the heart's natural pacemaker, located in the right atrium. From the SA node, the impulse spreads through the atria, causing them to contract. The impulse then travels to the atrioventricular (AV) node, located between the atria and ventricles, where it is briefly delayed. This delay allows the atria to fully empty their blood into the ventricles before the ventricles contract. Following the AV node, the electrical signal travels down the bundle of His and Purkinje fibers, which distribute the impulse throughout the ventricles, causing them to contract in a coordinated manner. The continuous and rhythmic generation and conduction of these electrical impulses are essential for maintaining a regular heartbeat and ensuring efficient blood circulation. Abnormalities in hjartavöðvavirkni can lead to various cardiac arrhythmias, such as bradycardia (slow heart rate) or tachycardia (fast heart rate), and can significantly impact the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is a common diagnostic tool used to record and analyze this electrical activity.