Systemic Circulation — ECG/EKG Terminology

Definition: Flow of blood from body tissue to the heart and then from the heart back to body tissues.

Key Facts

• Delivers oxygenated blood from left ventricle to body tissues and returns venous blood to right atrium.
• Requires higher pressures than pulmonary circulation.
• Depends on coordinated ventricular contraction and vascular tone.

ECG Connection: Systemic hypoperfusion can occur when arrhythmias reduce effective ventricular output.

Why It Matters: Persistent tachy- or bradyarrhythmia can quickly compromise organ perfusion.