Which term refers to the normal rhythmic relaxation and dilation of the heart chambers?

Which term refers to the normal rhythmic relaxation and dilation of the heart chambers?

• A. Diastolic
• B. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• C. Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
• D. Asthma Attack

Answer: (A)

Relaxation phase of the heartbeat, when the heart chambers fill with blood, is called diastole. Diastole is the period of normal rhythmic relaxation and dilation of the chambers, so the term diastolic describes anything related to that phase. In blood pressure, the diastolic value is the pressure during this relaxation. The other terms refer to something else: an ECG records the heart’s electrical activity; a cerebrovascular accident is a stroke; an asthma attack involves the airways. So diastolic is the best fit for describing the heart’s relaxation and dilation.

Relaxation phase of the heartbeat, when the heart chambers fill with blood, is called diastole. Diastole is the period of normal rhythmic relaxation and dilation of the chambers, so the term diastolic describes anything related to that phase. In blood pressure, the diastolic value is the pressure during this relaxation. The other terms refer to something else: an ECG records the heart’s electrical activity; a cerebrovascular accident is a stroke; an asthma attack involves the airways. So diastolic is the best fit for describing the heart’s relaxation and dilation.