Isovolumic contraction

Definition

Isovolumic contraction is a phase in the cardiac cycle where the heart's ventricles contract without changing volume because all heart valves are closed. This phase occurs right after the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves and before the aortic and pulmonary valves open.

Related terms

Cardiac Cycle: The sequence of mechanical and electrical events that repeat with every heartbeat, including relaxation, filling, and contraction phases of the heart.

Systole: The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood from the chambers into the arteries.

Diastole: The phase of relaxation in between beats when the heart fills with blood