how does the heart electrical system work

The human heart is a remarkable organ – its electrical system is responsible for maintaining the contractions of our heart muscle that keep us alive. Understanding how this intricate electrical system works can help us to better understand how our hearts function and help us make decisions about our own health.

The heart is an electrically polarised organ. This means it has two opposite electrical charges – one inside, where the cells of the myocardium are negative, and one outside, where the cells are positive. The myocardium has cells that are specialised to create an electrical field, which then creates a wave of electrical activity that spreads throughout the heart. This wave of electricity starts at the sinoatrial node (or “pacemaker”) and spreads throughout the atria, triggering them to contract. After the wave passes through the atria, it catches up with and surpasses the slower conduction speed of the ventricles, causing them to contract, too.

The electrical activity of the heart is essential for generating a steady rhythm and keeping our blood pumping. Malfunction of the electrical system can lead to arrhythmias or other heart disorders. Doctors can diagnose these heart conditions by monitoring the electrical activity of the heart using electrocardiograms (ECGs). ECGs measure the changes in electrical potential on the body's surface, which can help identify any irregularities in the heart beat. By understanding how the heart's electrical system works and tracking it regularly, we can proactively detect any issues and take preventative action to maintain healthy hearts.

The Heart S Electrical System Anatomy And Function