A heartbeat, or pulse, signifies the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle, pumping blood throughout the body. Each beat represents:
Cardiac cycle: One complete contraction and relaxation of the heart.
Blood pressure: The force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls.
Blood flow: Oxygenated blood being delivered to organs and tissues.
Oxygen supply: Essential oxygen being transported to cells.
Life sign: A heartbeat is a fundamental indicator of life.
The heart pumps approximately 5 liters (5,000 milliliters) of blood per minute at rest. This is known as the cardiac output.
To break it down further:
- Heart rate: 70-80 beats per minute (bpm) at rest
- Stroke volume: 60-80 milliliters (mL) per beat
- Cardiac output: 5,000 mL/minute (5 liters/minute)
This means that the heart pumps around 2,000 gallons (7,571 liters) of blood every day.
This is a resting value, and cardiac output can increase significantly during exercise or physical activity.
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