Diastole Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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diastole
[daɪəˈstoʊl ]
Definition
medical term
Diastole refers to the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle relaxes after contraction. During diastole, the chambers of the heart fill with blood, preparing for the next contraction. This phase is crucial for ensuring that the heart can receive sufficient blood supply, maintaining effective circulation throughout the body. Diastole typically occurs between heartbeats, and its duration can be influenced by factors such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Synonyms
cardiac diastole, relaxation phase.
Examples of usage
- During diastole, blood flows from the atria into the ventricles.
- Cardiologists monitor diastole to assess heart function.
- Elevated heart rate can shorten the duration of diastole.
- Diastolic dysfunction can lead to heart failure.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- During diastole, the heart's chambers – the atria and ventricles – fill with blood, preparing for the next contraction.
- This phase lasts longer than systole, about 70% of the cardiac cycle in a resting heart.
- Proper diastolic function is crucial for effective blood circulation and overall heart health.
Health
- Disturbances in diastolic function can lead to heart failure and other cardiovascular problems.
- Monitoring diastolic pressure is essential for understanding blood pressure and heart function.
- Athletes often have enhanced diastolic function, which contributes to their efficient heart performance.
Literature
- Diastole as a concept often appears in poetic forms, metaphorically representing rest or pause in rhythm.
- In literature, the heart's rhythmic phases are used to evoke emotional states, with diastole symbolizing tranquility.
Pop Culture
- Diastole is not commonly referenced in popular culture, but understanding it enriches knowledge in movies and shows that touch on health or medicine.
- Some health documentaries explore heart health, often explaining the importance of the diastolic phase.
Origin of 'diastole'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'diastole' comes from the Greek word 'diastole', meaning 'expansion' or 'dilation'.
- This term was first used in medical texts around the 18th century.
- In language, 'diastole' contrasts with 'systole', which means 'to contract'.
The word 'diastole' comes from the Greek word 'diastolē,' which means 'a drawing apart or a dilation.' It was first used in the context of the cardiac cycle in the early 19th century, as physicians began to better understand heart function and its phases. The distinction between systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation) became crucial in the study of cardiovascular physiology. Medical researchers and practitioners utilized these terms to describe the mechanics of blood flow and heart activity, allowing them to advance diagnostics and treatment for heart conditions. As our understanding of the heart has developed, so too has the significance of diastole in the assessment of heart health.