Monitoring Activity of the Heart | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Monitoring Activity of the Heart

• Heart function can be observed through various methods such as utilizing an electrocardiogram (ECG), gauging pulse rate, or employing a stethoscope to listen to valve closure sounds.
• Heart rate, synonymous with pulse rate, is quantified in beats per minute (bpm).
• To explore the impact of physical activity on heart rate, start by documenting the resting pulse rate for a minute.
• Subsequently, immediately following exercise, record the pulse rate every minute until it reverts to the resting rate.
• This investigation will demonstrate that during physical exertion, heart rate escalates and may take some time to revert to its baseline level.
• Heart activity can be assessed through various methods, each offering unique insights into its function. An electrocardiogram (ECG) provides a detailed graphical representation of the heart's electrical activity, allowing for the detection of abnormalities in rhythm or conduction. 
• Pulse rate, another commonly used metric, measures the number of heartbeats per minute and can be easily determined by palpating an artery, typically the radial artery at the wrist. 
• Additionally, auscultation with a stethoscope enables the detection of characteristic heart sounds associated with the closure of heart valves, providing further diagnostic information.
• During physical activity, such as exercise, the body's demand for oxygen and nutrients increases, necessitating adjustments in heart rate to meet these heightened metabolic demands. 
• Monitoring pulse rate before, during, and after exercise allows for the observation of these fluctuations. Typically, heart rate rises rapidly upon commencement of physical exertion as the cardiovascular system works to deliver oxygen-rich blood to active tissues. 
• This elevated heart rate persists throughout the duration of the exercise, gradually returning to baseline levels as the body recovers post-exertion. Tracking these changes over time provides valuable insights into the dynamic nature of cardiovascular function during activity and recovery phases.