Arrhythmia is a violation of the frequency, rhythm and order of excitation and contraction of the heart. For each person, the heart rate is an individual indicator, which depends on sex, age, physique, state of health and many other factors. But in most cases, the heart rate in adult healthy people does not exceed 60-90 beats per minute.
The process of contraction in the heart is associated with the impulses arising in the sinus node (the rhythm driver) located at the apex of the right atrium. Pulses pass through special fibers, causing the atrium to contract, extending to the atrioventricular node and the ventricles. All these structures are a conductive system of the heart, and with any disturbances in it there are failures in the heart rhythm - different types of arrhythmia.
What does "sinus arrhythmia" mean?
Sinus arrhythmia is an uneven distribution of impulses in the sinus node due to a violation of the periodicity of excitation of the latter, in which the rhythm either becomes faster or slower, and cardiac contractions can occur at unequal intervals of time. At the same time, the correct sequence of contraction of the heart is preserved.
In some cases, sinus arrhythmia is a natural condition that is not dangerous, for example, as a reaction to stress or physical stress, after a plentiful meal, with deep breathing, etc. In other cases, rhythm disturbances are a consequence of various pathological processes and require treatment.
Causes and symptoms of sinus arrhythmia
There are several groups of factors that cause heart rhythm disturbances, namely:
1. Cardiac:
- cardiac ischemia;
- myocardial infarction;
- heart failure;
- cardiomyopathy;
- myocarditis , etc.
2. Non-crooked:
- vegetovascular dystonia;
- anemia;
- bronchitis;
- bronchial asthma;
- diabetes;
- Thyroid gland diseases, etc.
3. Medication - prolonged or uncontrolled use of certain drugs, for example:
- cardiac glycosides ;
- diuretics;
- antiarrhythmic drugs, etc.
4. Electrolyte disorders - a change in the ratio of the salts of potassium, sodium and magnesium contained in the body.
5. Toxic factors:
- tobacco smoking;
- alcohol consumption;
- exposure to chemical agents.
In cases where the cause of heart rhythm disturbance can not be established, they speak of idiopathic sinus arrhythmia.
Moderate sinus arrhythmia, which occurs infrequently during exercise, hormonal changes in the body, as a result of natural aging, etc., has no pronounced manifestations and does not cause any special discomfort. More serious degrees of sinus arrhythmia can have the following manifestations:
- dyspnea at rest;
- strong weakness;
- changes in blood pressure;
- a feeling of sinking heart;
- cardiopalmus;
- blurred vision;
- chest pain
- a feeling of lack of air;
- dizziness.
Sinus arrhythmia on ECG
Electrocardiography is the main method of arrhythmia diagnosis. A characteristic sign of the pathology on the cardiogram is the gradual shortening or lengthening of the RR intervals (the distance between the high teeth). To obtain a more detailed picture of the pathology Holter monitoring can be used - daily ECG recording, which is performed continuously for 24 hours using a portable recorder. The ECG can also be performed under load.
Treatment of sinus arrhythmia
First of all, patients are required to exclude adverse factors that cause heart rhythm disturbances:
- bad habits;
- stress;
- lack of sleep;
- excessive physical exertion;
- unhealthy food;
- drinking strong tea, coffee, etc.
Treatment is directed to the elimination of identified provoking diseases, for which different medications are often used. Antiarrhythmic drugs are also prescribed, and in severe cases, a pacemaker is installed.