In this manner, the electrical system of the heart causes the heart muscle to contract, and causes it to contract in a coordinated manner, maximizing the efficiency of the beating heart.
The Cardiac Electrical System - How the Heart Beats
By Richard N. Fogoros, M.D., About.com Guide
Updated: September 25, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
6 of 6
Prev Next
The Cardiac Electrical Signal Spreads Across the Ventricles
Figure 5 - Ventricular activation
Figure 5: This figure shows the electrical impulse spreading throughout the right and left ventricles, causing these chambers to contract. As the electrical signal travels through the ventricles, it generates the “QRS complex” on the ECG. The QRS complex is indicated by the solid purple line on the ECG below.
Prev
- Introduction to the Cardiac Electrical Signal
- The Components of the Cardiac Electrical Signal
- The Cardiac Electrical Signal Spreads Across the Atria
- The Cardiac Electrical Signal Reaches the AV Node
- The Cardiac Electrical Signal Passes to the Ventricles
- The Cardiac Electrical Signal Spreads Across the Ventricles
Explore Heart Disease
Must Reads
By Category
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Cholesterol, triglycerides
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Drugs for Heart Disease
- Exercise and Heart Disease
- Heart Healthy Diet
- Heart Valve Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Living With Heart Failure
- Pacemakers & Defibrillators
- Palpitations & Arrhythmias
- Reducing Cardiac Risk
- Surgery, congenital, & more
- Syncope (fainting)
- Women & Heart Disease
About.com Special Features
8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs
Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >
Also from About.com:
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.