hjartsláttur

Hjartsláttur is the Icelandic term for the heartbeat—the rhythmic pulsing produced by the heart as it pumps blood. The word combines hjarta (heart) and sláttur (beat). In everyday language it can also refer to the sensation of the heart beating, or palpitations, when felt in the chest or throat.

Physiology: The heartbeat is produced by the cardiac cycle. An electrical impulse from the sinoatrial node initiates atrial contraction (systole), followed by ventricular contraction, coordinated via the atrioventricular node and Purkinje fibers. Normal resting heart rate is about 60–100 beats per minute for adults; fitness, age, and hormones modulate rate and rhythm. The rhythm can be regular or irregular.

Palpitations: People may feel as if the heart is racing, fluttering, skipping a beat, or beating too hard. Triggers include caffeine, stress, exercise, dehydration, alcohol, and certain medicines. Palpitations can occur in healthy individuals but may signal conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders, or arrhythmias. Seek medical care if palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or occur with sudden onset or sustained irregular rhythms.

Diagnosis and management: Evaluation typically includes medical history, physical examination, and tests such as ECG, ambulatory monitoring (Holter or event monitor), and sometimes echocardiography or blood tests. Treatment targets the underlying cause and may involve lifestyle changes, medications (for example beta-blockers for some arrhythmias), or procedures (such as ablation) for certain rhythm disorders. Most healthy individuals with benign palpitations have an excellent prognosis.