Signs of this pathological condition are found in both the elderly and young people. Arrhythmia of the heart, the symptoms of which worry many, is basically based on impaired myocardial functions such as automatism, excitability and conduction. The reasons for this may be different. First of all, these are organic and functional changes in the heart and its conducting system. For example, myocardial ischemia, heart attack, cardiosclerosis, inflammatory changes in the myocardium and valves, heart defects, myocardial dystrophy, pulmonary heart.
May lead to arrhythmias and dysregulation of the heart. They are associated with psycho-emotional stress, diseases of the autonomic or central nervous system, diseases of the endocrine glands, and other organs. For example, extrasystole often occurs in the menopause; paroxysmal tachycardia is not uncommon in diseases of the thyroid gland.
Arrhythmias can occur under the influence of drugs (digitalis, beta-blockers, etc.) and toxic substances.
Arrhythmia of the heart, the symptoms of which various forms are often similar, is divided by origin into different forms:
- Associated with impaired myocardial automatism. These include sinus bradycardia and tachycardia, respiratory arrhythmia of the heart and some other types of disorders.
- Related to a violation of excitability. They are represented by extrasystole and paroxysmal tachycardia.
- Based on conduction disturbances of the heart. These types of arrhythmias include sino-auricular, intraatrial, incomplete and complete atrioventricular and intraventricular block.
- Caused by disturbance of both excitability and conduction: flickering and flutter of the atria and ventricles.
- Due to impaired contractility of the heart: alternating and paradoxical pulse.
There are several dozen types of heart rhythm disturbances. We touch on the signs of those that are most common.
With such a pathology as cardiac arrhythmia, the symptoms consist in an increase or slowdown of its contractions, a violation of their correct alternation. Sometimes patients do not feel them, they are detected only on the ECG. However, in some cases they pose a danger to the condition and even the life of the patient.
With tachycardia, the pulse increases. If the normal pulse rate is 60-80 beats per minute, then with paroxysmal tachycardia, it can increase up to 160-200 or more beats. The rhythm is broken. The patient has a fear of death.
With bradycardia, the pulse, on the contrary, slows down.
With respiratory arrhythmias, the pulse rate slows down as you inhale and becomes more frequent as you exhale.
With extrasystole, patients complain of interruptions in the heart and a feeling of its fading. They are associated with the occurrence of an extraordinary contraction of the atrium or ventricles and the period following it, the so-called refractory.
With heart block, the pulse slows down, there are sensations of a sinking heart. Depending on the degree of blockade, dizziness, fainting, and darkening of the eyes may be added to these symptoms.
A few words about the danger of cardiac arrhythmia. As already mentioned, it has various causes and often indicates severe damage to the heart or other body systems.
In addition, sometimes arrhythmia of the heart occurs, the symptoms of which can be life-threatening. So, ventricular extrasystole or ventricular flutter can cause cardiac arrest. Atrial fibrillation can lead to heart failure and pulmonary edema. Some forms of arrhythmias cause sudden death.
In each case, the cardiologist must decide the diagnosis and treatment of rhythm disturbances. Be attentive to your health!