Heartbeats are the rhythmic contractions of the heart that pump blood throughout the body. Each heartbeat is initiated by electrical signals in the heart's sinoatrial node, which acts as the natural pacemaker. The heart typically beats between 60 to 100 times per minute in a resting adult, depending on factors like age, fitness level, and emotional state. The heartbeat can be measured using a stethoscope or an electrocardiogram (ECG). It consists of two main phases: systole, when the heart contracts to pump blood out, and diastole, when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. Monitoring heartbeats is essential for assessing overall cardiovascular health.