What marks the transition to diastasis during heart filling?

The transition to diastasis during heart filling is characterized by the end of the rapid filling phase of the ventricles. During diastole, the heart goes through various phases, one of which is rapid filling, where blood rushes from the atria into the ventricles due to a pressure gradient. This rapid filling occurs when the ventricles are relaxed and the mitral and tricuspid valves are open.

As the blood continues to fill the ventricles, the rate of filling decreases, leading to a phase known as diastasis. During this phase, the flow of blood from the atria to the ventricles is significantly reduced, and both the atria and ventricles are relatively filled, yet still in a resting state. This is essential for the heart to adequately prepare for the next contraction (systole).

Recognizing the end of rapid filling as the point of transition to diastasis is critical, as it indicates that the ventricles are transitioning from a phase of high blood flow to a slower, more stable phase in diastole before eventual atrial contraction restarts the filling process again. Understanding these phases is crucial in evaluating cardiac function and diagnosing potential cardiovascular issues.