Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CRAT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What term is used to describe the contraction and relaxation phases of the heart?

The cardiac cycle

The term that describes the contraction and relaxation phases of the heart is the cardiac cycle. This cycle encompasses two main phases: systole, which is the phase when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers, and diastole, when the heart muscle relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood. Understanding the cardiac cycle is essential as it reflects the rhythmic nature of heart function, detailing how blood circulates throughout the body during these phases.

Hypertrophy, on the other hand, refers to the enlargement of heart muscle cells and is not related specifically to the contraction and relaxation phases. Diastole describes only the relaxation phase, while cardiac output refers to the volume of blood the heart pumps in a specific time frame. Thus, the cardiac cycle covers both contraction and relaxation, making it the most comprehensive term in this context.

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Hypertrophy

Diastole

Cardiac output

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