Diastole

Definition

Diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood. It follows systole, which is the contraction phase that pumps blood out of the chambers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Diastole occurs after systole during the cardiac cycle.
2. During diastole, both atria and ventricles are relaxed, allowing them to fill with blood.
3. The diastolic pressure is the lower number in a blood pressure reading and indicates arterial pressure during relaxation.
4. Proper diastolic function ensures efficient filling of the heart chambers, important for maintaining adequate circulation.
5. Abnormalities in diastole can lead to conditions such as diastolic heart failure.

Review Questions

• What happens to the heart chambers during diastole?
• How does diastolic pressure differ from systolic pressure?
• Why is proper diastolic function crucial for circulatory health?

Related terms

Systole: The phase of the cardiac cycle where the heart muscles contract and pump blood out of the chambers.

Blood Pressure: The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Cardiac Cycle: The complete sequence of events in one heartbeat, including both systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation).