What is a Heartbeat? A heartbeat is the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle, which pumps blood through the body. Each beat consists of two phases: Systole : The phase where the heart contracts, pumping blood into the arteries. Diastole : The phase where the heart relaxes, allowing it to fill with blood again. The sound of the heartbeat, often described as "lub-dub," is caused by the closing of the heart valves as blood flows read more The Electrical System of the Heart The heartbeat is controlled by an electrical system that sends signals to the heart muscle to contract. This system involves several key components: Sinoatrial (SA) Node : Often referred to as the heart's natural pacemaker, the SA node is located in the right atrium. It generates electrical impulses that trigger the contraction of the heart. Atrioventricular (AV) Node : Located between the atria and ventricles, the AV node delays the electrical signal slightly before ...