[Solved] _____ is the process by which an action potential in the plasma membrane of a myocardial cell triggers the events that directly cause contraction of the myocardial cells. A) Electrocontraction B) Intercalated communication C) Excitation-contraction coupling D) Myosin communication Hypertension: A chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the arteries, which requires the heart to work harder than normal. Arterial changes: Modifications or alterations in the arteries, often related to aging, disease processes, or lifestyle factors, affecting blood flow and cardiovascular health. Sinoatrial Node: A group of cells in the right atrium of the heart that initiates the electrical impulses determining the heart rate, often called the heart's natural pacemaker. Atherosclerotic Changes: Alterations in blood vessels characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits along their inner walls.