Difference between systole and diastole

What is Systole?

Systole is one of the phases of the cardiac cycle, which consists of the contraction of the heart to expel blood from the ventricle towards the corresponding artery. During systole, the aortic and pulmonary valves open and blood is pumped into the body and lungs.

What is Diastole?

On the other hand, diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle in which the heart relaxes and the ventricles fill with blood from the atria. During diastole, the atrioventricular valves, mitral and tricuspid, open to allow blood to enter.

Differences between Systole and Diastole

One of the main differences between systole and diastole is the function that each one plays in the cardiac cycle. While systole is responsible for expelling blood from the heart into the arteries, diastole is responsible for filling the ventricles with blood from the atria.

Another important difference is the duration of each phase. Systole is a shorter phase than diastole, that is, the contraction of the heart lasts less time than the relaxation.

Functioning of the Cardiac Cycle

The cardiac cycle It is a process complex that involves the coordination of the different components of the cardiovascular system. During systole, the heart gently contracts the ventricles to allow blood to flow into the main arteries.

The muscle cells of the heart contract thanks to the action of electrical impulses generated in the sinus node, located in the right atrium. Subsequently, the electrical signal is transmitted to the rest of the heart cells through a conduction system.

During diastole, the heart relaxes and the ventricles fill with blood from the atria. Blood pressure is reduced during this phase to allow blood to flow to the heart.

In summary

Systole and diastole are fundamental phases of the cardiac cycle. While systole is responsible for expelling blood from the heart and into the body, diastole is responsible for filling the ventricles with blood returning to the heart. During systole, the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries, and during diastole, the heart relaxes and the ventricles fill with blood from the atria.

• Systole is the phase in which the heart contracts.
• Diastole is the phase in which the heart relaxes.
• Systole is responsible for expelling blood from the heart.
• Diastole is responsible for filling the ventricles with blood.
• Systole is shorter than diastole.

In conclusion: It is important to understand the difference between systole and diastole to understand how our heart works and how our heart health is maintained. Both phases are equally important and necessary for our heart and our body work properly.