hjartslag
Hjartslag is a Swedish term that translates to "heartbeat" in English. It refers to the rhythmic throbbing of the arteries in time with the beats of the heart. This pulsation is caused by the expansion and contraction of the heart muscle as it pumps blood throughout the body. Doctors and medical professionals often refer to a patient's hjartslag when assessing their cardiovascular health. It can be felt manually at various points on the body, such as the wrist (radial pulse) or neck (carotid pulse). The rate of a person's hjartslag, known as the heart rate, is typically measured in beats per minute (bpm). A normal resting heart rate for adults is generally between 60 and 100 bpm. Factors such as physical activity, stress, illness, and medication can influence the hjartslag. Irregularities in the hjartslag, such as palpitations or a very fast or slow rate, can sometimes indicate underlying health issues and may warrant medical attention. In a broader, more figurative sense, "hjartslag" can also be used to describe the vital pulse or essence of something, like the "hjartslag of a city" referring to its lively and energetic core.