Cardiac Conduction System - What is it?

Cardiac Conduction System: What is it?

Your heartbeat is controlled by a network of nodes, cells, and signals called the cardiac conduction system. Each time your heart beats, electrical signals go through your heart. These impulses induce various cardiac regions to enlarge and constrict. The heart's expansion and contraction regulate the body's blood flow.

What is the heart's conduction system?

The network of specialized cells, electrical signals, and nodes (groups of cells that can either be nerve or muscle tissue) in the heart's conduction system is what keeps your heart pumping.

Your heartbeat is controlled by two varieties of cells:

• The electric signals are carried via conducting cells.
• Your heart's contractions are managed by muscle cells.

The cardiac conduction system in your heart gives the signal to begin a heartbeat. Additionally, it transmits messages that instruct various heart muscle groups to rest and contract (squeeze). Your heart's ability to contract and relax regulates how much blood flows through it and to the rest of your body.

What steps make up the heart's conduction system?

Your body's circulatory system is pumped by your heart. Electrical signals move via your heart's conduction channel with each heartbeat. Your sinoatrial (SA) node generates an excitation signal to initiate it. This electrical signal resembles electricity moving via cables to a home appliance.

The excitation signal travels to:

1. Your atria, the top heart chambers, get the excitation signal, which instructs them to contract.
2. The atrioventricular (AV) node delays the signal until the blood has completely left your atria.
3. The signal is carried to the Purkinje fibers through the His bundle, which is the central bundle of nerve fibers.
4. Your ventricles, which are the bottom chambers of your heart, contract as a result of the Purkinje fibers.

Your heart muscle contracts fully after these actions. To keep your heart beating, your heart conduction system emits thousands of signals each day.

How does the rest of your heart's electrical conduction function?

Your heart's conduction system receives electrical signals that cause it to expand and contract. Your heart's contractions regulate the flow of blood.

The electrical conduction system should maintain a constant, uniform heart rate. Additionally, it aids your heart's ability to slow down or speed up depending on whether you need more blood or oxygen. What illnesses and disorders influence your heart's electrical conduction?

The electrical system in your heart can be impacted by a number of different circumstances. Your heart's rhythm is affected by these disorders.

Typical cardiac rhythm problems include:

• Atrial fibrillation, that is a type of irregular heartbeat known as an arrhythmia (A fib).
• A block in the Purkinje fibers on one side of your heart known as a bundle branch block might result in arrhythmia.
• Heart block, which is defective electrical communication between the ventricles and atria of your heart.
• Long Q-T syndrome (LQTS), that being our ventricles contract and release abnormally slowly, possibly leading to fainting (syncope) or abrupt cardiac arrest.
• Early heartbeats or "skipped heartbeats" in your ventricles are known as premature ventricular contractions.
• Sudden cardiac arrest. If your heart stops suddenly due to a serious rhythmic problem, you will die.

How can I maintain the health of my heart's conduction system?

Genetic factors play a large role in the causes of many heart rhythm issues. They could be caused by the design of your heart or by other elements.

However, by leading a healthy lifestyle, you may try to maintain the health of your cardiac conduction system as well as your overall heart. You could:

• Obtain and keep a healthy weight.
• Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Do not abuse substances or prescribed pharmaceuticals.
• Limit your alcohol consumption.
• Consume a balanced diet that is— rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.
• Utilize healthy coping mechanisms to reduce stress, such as talk therapy or meditation.

A word from the team

The network of signals in your heart's conduction system preserves your heart. Your heart contracts or relaxes as a result of these electrical signals. As your heart contracts, blood flows through it.

Lifestyle changes such as managing stress and exercising regularly can help you keep your heart conduction system healthy. To know more about your heart health, contact Corrielus Cardiology today!