home Audience 12 Heart rhythm failure: causes, symptoms and treatment. The nature and causes of failure of the heart rhythm

Heart rhythm failure: causes, symptoms and treatment. The nature and causes of failure of the heart rhythm

Normal heart activity is called contractions in the range of 60-80 beats per minute. The pulses must go at regular intervals. Such work is given to cardiomyocytes by pacemaker cells. Under the influence of certain reasons, their function changes. Heart rhythm disorder manifests itself in the form various options. When an arrhythmia occurs, patients are concerned about symptoms, the severity of which is determined by the severity of the condition.

Why does the breach occur? heart rate So what's this? The term "arrhythmia" refers to changes accompanied by a disorder in the sequence and regularity of myocardial contractions. The beats per minute will be variable.

The heart rate becomes different from sinus. It is observed in the normal healthy person. Any cause that provokes arrhythmia can lead to a violation of vital important functions for which the heart is responsible.

The classification of rhythm disturbances according to Zhuravleva and Kushavsky from 1981 has received the greatest distribution. It includes the following pathologies of cardio-vascular system:

Change of automatism in sinus node(nomotopic arrhythmia):
1. sinus bradycardia;
2. sinus tachycardia;
3. weakness of the conduction of the sinus node;
4. sinus arrhythmia.
Ectopic rhythm (heterotopic arrhythmia):
1. atrial heart rate;
2. atrioventricular (nodal) rhythm;
3. dissociation of function of the atrioventricular type;
4. idioventricular rhythm (ventricular);
5. migration of the supraventricular pacemaker;
Rhythm disturbance associated with changes in myocardial excitability:
1. paroxysmal variant of tachycardia;
2. extrasystole.
Rhythm disturbances by type of conduction and excitability changes:
1. flicker ( ;
2. atrial fibrillation (atrial fibrillation);
3. atrial flutter;
Rhythm disturbance associated with a change in conduction:
1. interatrial blockade;
2. sinoatrial blockade.
Atrioventricular blockade:
1. premature excitation of the ventricles;
2. blockade of the ventricles (branches of the bundle of His).

Each disease from the listed classification has its own causes, treatment. Symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia are expressed depending on the severity of the condition and the therapy.

Causes of irregular heart rhythm

When failures of the heart rhythm appear, the main importance is given to finding the cause. Many variants of arrhythmia are similar. You can figure out what type of disorder the patient has with the help of a comprehensive examination.

Endogenous factors

Some diseases pose a danger to the cardiovascular system. These include the following reasons cardiac arrhythmias:

Chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system. When symptoms of arrhythmia appear, the main importance is attached to ischemic processes in the myocardium, myocarditis, myocardial infarction, congenital and acquired defects. In people over 40 important role has atherosclerosis. The deposition of cholesterol in the form of plaques on the walls of blood vessels does not allow them to retain their elasticity properties.
Pathology nervous system.
Violation metabolic processes in the form of hypokalemia or hyperkalemia.
Hormonal changes associated with diseases thyroid gland(hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis).
Violation of the heart rhythm as one of the manifestations of cancer pathology.

In some cases, patients with glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis also complain of interruptions in the work of the heart. For this reason, it is important to remember that pathology from other organ systems can disrupt the normal rhythm.

Exogenous factors

Some factors environment(or vigorous activity human) negatively affect the body. They cause a heart rhythm disturbance, the symptoms of which may not bother a person for a long time. External factors include:

Age over 40 years. Most often, people in this category begin to feel unpleasant symptoms in the region of the heart, which are characteristic of arrhythmias.
Tobacco smoking, intake alcoholic beverages. Toxic substances adversely affect blood vessels and myocardium.
Traumatic brain injuries lead to damage to the central or autonomic nervous system. Any symptom can negative impact on the heart.
It is not recommended to drink more than 3 cups of coffee. Due to the content of a large amount of caffeine, acceleration of contractions is noted, blood pressure rises. Changes in the state of the cardiovascular system can lead to arrhythmia.
Under the influence of anesthetics, the load on the myocardium increases. This becomes one of the reasons for the disruption of his work.

In some cases, the cause cannot be determined. If the factor is not fully understood, then it is idiopathic. Predisposing phenomena are considered violation of the regime of work and rest, obesity, sedentary image life.

Both an adult and a teenager can get sick. The main causes of arrhythmia in a child in early age are vices, diseases and bad heredity. In pediatrics, they give individual recommendations, depending on age.

Diseases in which rhythm disturbances occur

Not only the pathology of the cardiovascular system leads to a disorder of the functions of the heart. The appearance of signs of the disease is possible if the patient has:

atherosclerosis;
myocarditis;
congenital anomalies of the structure;
dystrophic processes in the myocardium;
heart attack;
heart failure;
pheochromocytoma;
arterial hypertension;
hernia in the esophageal opening of the diaphragm;
cardiomyopathy.

Among patients, arrhythmia is more common, the main cause of which is a dysfunction of the cardiovascular system.

Myocarditis

Myocarditis is inflammation of the muscle. This occurs after the defeat of cardiomyocytes by infection. Violation of the heart rhythm occurs under the influence of toxic substances released by microorganisms.

The clinical picture depends on the degree of change in the walls of the organ and the severity of the process. The onset may be asymptomatic. Based on pathophysiology data, even slightly affected heart cells cause arrhythmias.

myocardial infarction

Circulatory disorders coronary vessels leads to myocardial necrosis. In the local area, foci are formed that cease to be active. In some cases, with spasm of the arteries, the same outcome occurs. The right algorithm emergency care reduces the risk of complications.

One of the consequences of the post-infarction state is a violation of the heart rhythm. Necrotic areas in the myocardium can be large and small.

Pheochromocytoma

Education is a tumor with localization in the adrenal medulla. It is found in early childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Cells begin to produce in large numbers catecholamines. These include epinephrine and norepinephrine. AT rare cases the tumor becomes malignant. This type of cell spreads through the bloodstream to other organs.

Pheochromocytoma always proceeds with an increase blood pressure. During a crisis provoked by catecholamines, it increases sharply. In the interictal period, it remains stable at high numbers, or may decrease. With the formation of even a small tumor, the heart rhythm changes. On prehospital stage help to normalize the pressure. The patient is taken to the hospital and operated on after the examination.

Manifestations of cardiac arrhythmias

Manifestations and signs of arrhythmia depend on the variant of the disease according to the classification. Some patients feel satisfactorily and in rare cases there are unpleasant signs in the heart area. long asymptomatic course negatively affects the myocardium, and such a condition is difficult to detect at an early stage.

When normal function atrioventricular node is broken, there is an imbalance between the atria and ventricles. Impulse conduction becomes difficult, and the heartbeat slows down. The frequency of myocardial contractions is about 25-45 per minute. The following symptoms are characteristic:

severe weakness on the background of bradycardia;
dyspnea;
dizziness;
darkening in the eyes;
fainting;

For atrioventricular blockade, episodes of loss of consciousness are characteristic. The fainting lasts for about a few seconds.

Atrial fibrillation (flicker)

This variant of arrhythmia is more common than others. She was assigned the ICD code - I 48. The heart rate can be up to 600 beats per minute. The process is not accompanied by the coordinated work of the atria and ventricles. Patients describe sharp deterioration well-being. Some of them indicate the minutes of such changes.

It all starts with sensations of a strong heartbeat, interruptions and weakness. Gradually joins the lack of air, a feeling of fear and pain in the chest. When atrial fibrillation occurs, the condition worsens dramatically. Everything takes a matter of minutes. During this time, the feeling that "the heart will soon jump out of the chest" does not leave.

Sick sinus syndrome

This variant of arrhythmia is associated with a disorder in the formation of an impulse in the sinus node and further conduction in the atria. Bradycardia appears in the norm and in healthy people who are athletically trained.

People feel pauses during the work of the heart, and the pulse is harvested. With a pronounced syndrome, there is a tendency to fainting, which is preceded by darkening in the eyes or a feeling of heat.

Extrasystole

Under the influence of various factors, the conduction system of the heart generates extraordinary contractions of the myocardium (extrasystoles). Single manifestations are not life-threatening and are rarely felt by people. When there are a lot of them or they become group, patients begin to complain. They experience strong heartbeat, and between individual beats there is a pause, which is described by people as a fading.

Diagnosis of pathology

Before starting to treat the patient, a complete examination is carried out. It includes laboratory and instrumental methods. After receiving the conclusion, the doctor determines the further tactics of managing the patient, depending on the individual characteristics.

Blood test

This survey is one of the most available methods. It includes parameters by which the probability of an inflammatory process is determined. This can be done by assessing the level of leukocytes in the blood and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). It is important to study and biochemical analysis. The electrolyte composition plays an important role in normal operation myocardium. An imbalance of potassium and magnesium in the bloodstream leads to arrhythmias.

Lipid profile

This type of examination is necessary for all patients. If the rhythm is disturbed, it is necessary to assess the condition vascular wall. Based on the results obtained, the doctor begins treatment. If lipids high density very few and limits bad cholesterol exceed the allowable values - therapy is necessary.

ECG (electrocardiography)

The instrumental method is considered one of the main methods for determining cardiac arrhythmias. Any disorders occurring in the myocardium will be reflected on the film. Electrocardiography (ECG) detects the following:

The source of rhythm, whose task is to generate impulses.
Heart rate.
Impaired conduction from the atria to the ventricles.
Possible extraordinary contractions of the myocardium.
Fibrillation or flutter of the ventricles and atria.

In a number of patients, with the help of this examination, it was possible to detect changes that did not manifest themselves in any way.

Holter ECG

By using modern method research can detect the changes that the electrocardiogram detected. The advantage is that it can be done within 24 hours. All this time, a sensor is attached to the patient, which takes all indicators of cardiac activity.

The patient is advised to usual image life. So that he does not miss any little thing related to activity, a diary is started. On its pages, the subject fixes his workload, stress and other parameters that the doctor will recommend. The next day, he returns to his cardiologist to evaluate the results.

Event monitoring

This kind of research is carried out using portable device to record an electrocardiogram. The convenience of the method lies in its use only when necessary. The indications are:

pain in the region of the heart;
strong heartbeat;
feeling interrupted;
feeling of fading;
the appearance of dizziness and a sharp headache;
pre-fainting state.

After recording the data at the right time, the patient can use the sound sensor to transmit information to his doctor by phone.

During physical activity in the usual mode or with severe tension, patients experience pain. Sometimes it is difficult to assess the indicator, and for this reason stress tests.
The patient becomes treadmill, and the doctor sets the required pace.

If there are no changes, then the angle of its inclination is changed, the speed is increased. If pain, interruptions and other unpleasant sensations occur, the procedure is completed and the data obtained is evaluated. When a violation of the heart rhythm is confirmed, treatment is prescribed.

Tilt test

This procedure is a variation of the one described above. Its essence lies in carrying out an orthostatic load. Before the start of the study, the patient is placed on a special table. It is fixed with straps and transferred from horizontal position to vertical. In the process of implementation, the following indicators are evaluated:

blood pressure level;
ECG changes;
cerebral hemodynamics.

If fainting occurs, the cause is determined using a tilt test.

EchoCG (echocardiography)

The study makes it possible to assess the state of the structural elements of the heart, the level of blood flow, pressure in the vessels. If there are changes associated with age or infectious disease even slight deviations can be considered.

Electrophysiological research method

To assess the state of the heart, an electrode is inserted through the nasal passage into the esophagus (transesophageal echocardiography). If it is impossible to perform it in the indicated way, the procedure is done intravenously. The sensor enters the cavity, and the doctor gives a slight impulse. It provokes an attack of arrhythmia.

The presented method is assigned to each patient with arrhythmia. The reason for this condition may be due to an altered thyroid function. If the patient has it reduced, then bradycardia and blockade occur, which is easy to detect using an ECG. With hyperthyroidism, tachycardia and extrasystoles are noted.

Treatment of cardiac arrhythmias

The choice of method of therapy is based on the causes of the arrhythmia, clinical manifestations, comorbidities. It includes several options:

medication;
non-drug.

In the absence of effect, the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias is carried out by cardiac surgeons.

Medical method

In order to choose the right remedy, comprehensive examination. Under the control of electrocardiography, the results of treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs are evaluated. The following classes of drugs are prescribed (depending on the indications):

Drugs that stabilize cell membranes (class 1) - Lidocaine, Quinidine, Propafenone.
Beta-blockers (grade 2) - "Metoprolol", "Atenolol".
Blockers potassium channels(Grade 3) - "Amiodarone", "Sotalol".
Calcium channel blockers (grade 4) - Verapamil, Diltiazem.

The patient is under the control of the doctor, if necessary, he must take tests. Depending on the psychosomatics and the patient's attitude to his health, a consultation of other specialists is prescribed. According to indications, it may be necessary additional funds. They should go well with arrhythmia pills.

Non-drug treatment

If therapy is carried out successfully and the condition returns to normal, then folk remedies. For this, they are used medicinal herbs, which are mixed in a certain ratio. Valerian root, lemon balm, motherwort and anise are widely used. The ingredients are combined, poured with boiling water and insisted for about half an hour. Then the resulting infusion is taken at a dose of ½ cup three times a day.

One of medical methods – correct image life and nutrition. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and junk food. To maintain a healthy heart, it is recommended to drink water (1.5-2 liters per day). If there is swelling, then this issue is resolved with the attending physician.

The diet should contain a lot fresh vegetables and fruits. For the myocardium, bananas, dried fruits and baked potatoes are considered especially useful. They are richer than other foods in potassium, which is needed for heart function.

In the absence of dynamics from treatment at home, the patient is sent to surgical intervention. The most common and effective are:

cardioversion;
setting an artificial pacemaker;
ablation;

Cardioversion is indicated for patients with ventricular arrhythmias. The method is based on the application of a discharge of electricity. It is important to do it right differential diagnosis. If the form of conduction disturbance turns out to be atrial, then the procedure will be contraindicated. It's connected with high probability the appearance of thrombi.

If the heart cannot cope with the problem on its own, then an artificial pacemaker is installed under the skin. When an arrhythmia focus is detected, a catheter is inserted, the task of which is to destroy it - ablation. This method of treatment will return the patient to a full life.

The heart beats out of rhythm for a variety of reasons. The causes of disruption of the rhythmic work of the heart may be physiological in nature and not pose a danger.

Organic rhythm disturbances are characterized by deviations occurring in the structure of the heart. They demand special attention, such pathological conditions need to be treated.

Characteristics of cardiac failures

H Arrhythmia is characterized by a deviation from the rhythmic work of the heart. For normal cardiac function, it is necessary that the phases periodically replace each other. There are two such phases:

the phase of systole, in which the stimulation of blood flow occurs;
the diastole phase is the period of relaxation and rest of the heart muscle.

A healthy heart rhythm involves a uniform change of phases. If the periodicity is violated, regulation failures occur. endocrine system. With a shortened diastolic phase, the heart gets tired without having time to rest.

Disorders in the work of the heart muscle can be divided into two groups. One of them will include a slow work of the heart, the other is characterized by a rapid rhythm.

In the first case, the patient may experience a violation of blood circulation, and in the second case, interruptions in cardiac activity are noted.
Violations of the sequence, as well as the strength and frequency of the heart rhythm, are called arrhythmias.

Types of heart rhythm disorders

FROM a healthy person's heart can contract with different speed, it is impossible to derive a single indicator that would be considered the norm for absolutely everyone. For some, a rapid rhythm is characteristic, for others it may be somewhat slow. And yet there are averages.

The pulse of a healthy person is on average 60 to 90 beats per minute. At the same time, women have a higher heart rate than men. This is due to the fact that the heart in women is smaller in size.
Heart rate may fluctuate different reasons which are considered the norm.

But in some cases, the failure of heart contractions has a pathological basis and poses a danger not only to health, but also to human life.

Heart failure can be represented by different types:

Violations associated with the formation of an impulse. With the formation of an impulse in the sinus node, sinus tachycardia or sinus bradycardia may develop. The first case is characterized by an increase in the number of heartbeats over 90 beats. The second case is characterized by a slowing of the heart pulsation below 60 beats. Impulses can occur in the atria and ventricles, then atrial or ventricular palpitations are diagnosed. This category includes such pathologies as: extrasystole, paroxysmal tachycardia, atrial fibrillation or ventricular fibrillation.
Cardiac conduction disorders. This type of failure includes impulse conduction blocks that can form in any part of the conductive system. In this case, diagnose the following types blockade: sinoatrial, intra-atrial, atrioventricular.
mixed species. This group includes conditions when an additional rhythm is formed in the heart, due to uneven work of the atria and ventricles.

Causes of heart failure

The rhythm of the heart is lost for several reasons. These reasons can be quite harmless, and the violation of the rhythm itself does not pose any danger. But there are also serious violations in the work of the heart, caused by heart disease or ailments of a different kind.

Increased heart rate is characteristic of sinus tachycardia. This condition can occur after physical exertion. In addition to increased heart rate, other symptoms appear: shortness of breath, weakness, pain in the chest.

If the increase in rhythm appears for no apparent reason, then this fact may indicate the presence of diseases. Short list diseases that cause sinus tachycardia:

thyroid disease;
intoxication of the heart;
heart failure;
myocardial infarction;
heart disease.

Sinus tachycardia usually affects young people. It may develop due to increased nervousness, affective psychoses. An increase in heart rate can accompany such ailments as tonsillitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia.

A rare pulse, a pulse with a slowing of the rhythm to 60 beats per minute, is called sinus bradycardia. Such a heart rhythm disorder rarely occurs in healthy people. The exception is athletes in whom this condition develops against the background of regular physical exertion and is not a pathology, due to the training of the heart muscles.

Sinus bradycardia is felt as a sinking heart, dizziness and even fainting can complicate the patient's condition. Bradycardia may be accompanied by heart block. Frequent seizures bradycardia, provide serious danger for human life.

Premature contraction of the heart is called extrasystole. When it occurs, a strong cardiac impulse occurs, after which a temporary pause occurs. Additional symptoms expressed in anxiety, discomfort, lack of air.

Extrasystole may be temporary and occur after taking strong drinks: coffee, tea, alcohol. The disease may develop nervous ground and be the result stressful situations. There are more serious reasons which include heart disease.

Chaotic contraction of the muscles of the heart atria is diagnosed as flicker. Flutter is characterized by contraction of the atria or part of them in a rhythm reaching up to 300 beats per minute.

The contraction of the ventricles at the same time occurs in a more moderate rhythm. Both of these forms can replace one another.

But it is worth noting that flutter happens much more often than flicker. The disease is usually caused by heart disease.

A sharp increase in heart rate occurs with paroxysmal tachycardia. A person can be in this state for several seconds, but it also happens that the attack persists for several days. The most common cause of seizures is oxygen starvation or metabolic disorder.

Such disruptions in the rhythm of the heart are accompanied by the following symptoms: weakness, shortness of breath, tinnitus, a feeling of chest constriction.

In addition to the causes individual for each type of tachycardia, there are common causes that contribute to the development of the disease. Characteristic common causes as follows:

osteochondrosis;
insufficient function of the thyroid gland;
poisoning and subsequent intoxication of the body;
unbalanced diet;
dysfunction of the kidneys and liver.

To about To determine the presence and nature of a heart rhythm failure, it is often enough to make an electrocardiogram.

This type of diagnosis will accurately determine the type of arrhythmia.

But it is not always possible, as they say, to catch the rhythmic fight and fix it.

How to restore heart rate

To avoid repeated attacks of arrhythmia, you need to monitor your health. First of all, excessive physical and emotional stress should be avoided. It is very important to watch your diet. In order for the heart to function normally, fatty and spicy foods will have to be removed from the menu.

To bring the heart rate back to normal, you need to take a deep breath and, holding your mouth and nose, try to exhale with an effort. This exercise should be done several times.

You should not prescribe treatment yourself, all problems must be solved together with the attending physician.

Normal work of the heart is characterized by alternate uniform contraction of the atria and ventricles. A measured rhythm is characteristic of a healthy heart.

Any deviation from the norm can signal the presence of heart disease. Therefore, if heart failures occur regularly, for no apparent reason, this is a reason to seek advice from a cardiologist.

Timely access to a doctor helps to determine the causes of a heart disorder, make a diagnosis and accept necessary measures to cure the disease.

Parts of the heart contract and relax regularly. First, the atria contract, then the ventricles. This sequence is called the heart rate. In the heart are intracardiac mechanisms of rhythm regulation. External regulation of the function of the heart is determined by the activity of the autonomic nervous system and humoral factors. Violation of the heart rhythm leads to a breakdown in the activity of the motor of our body. Violations can be different: a decrease in heart rate - bradycardia, palpitations - tachycardia; violation of the frequency or sequence of contractions - arrhythmia.

Symptoms

Causes

Cardiac contractions are regulated by the conduction system of the heart. The sinoatrial node generates 60-90 pulses per minute. The pulses of heart contractions that occur in the sinoatrial node pass through the conduction system and cause contractions of the atria and ventricles at regular intervals. At the same time, electrical impulses sent out by the sinoatrial node enter the atrioventricular node, and from there into the Hiss bundle. The impulse is then transferred to muscle fibers ventricles, causing ventricular contraction. At rest, a person is characterized sinus rhythm, during sleep, the heart contracts 55-70 times per minute. Most often, a heart rhythm disorder is caused by a violation of the formation or conduction of impulses, less often due to a violation of the activity of the autonomic nervous system.

Heart rhythm disturbances can occur under the influence of alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, or psychotropic substances. These substances can slow down or speed up heart contractions, which leads to disruption of the heart.

Types of Violations

Due to strong stimulation of the conductive system, a violation of the conduction of the pulse may occur. As a result, the heart or part of it is affected.

Tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmia

Tachycardia - rapid heartbeat (90-120-150 beats per minute), bradycardia - slow heartbeat (20-40-60 beats per minute) or arrhythmia - erratic contraction of the heart muscle. Temporary heart rhythm disturbances can also occur in a healthy person. Bradycardia: the heart rate decreases, short-term disturbances of consciousness are possible. Sinus tachycardia is observed with myocarditis, heart defects, increased thyroid function. Arrhythmias are characterized by uneven, erratic pulses. The most common forms of arrhythmia: 1) extrasystole, 2) arrhythmia associated with partial atrioventricular blockade, 3) atrial fibrillation.

Extrasystole

Extrasystole is a common disorder, consisting in the premature contraction of the entire heart or its individual parts. Extrasystoles can occur under the influence of certain drugs, with stress, fear, etc. In addition, extrasystoles can be a sign increased function thyroid gland, heart defects or calcification of the coronary vessels of the heart.

ventricular flutter

Ventricular flutter is dangerous disorder heart rate. It is characterized by a sudden onset and irregular contraction of individual fibers of the heart muscle. ventricular flutter - last stage many heart diseases, such as myocardial infarction. This condition is life threatening.

If, as a result of any reason, the propagation of impulses is interrupted or slowed down, causing contraction heart muscle, then, first of all, the sequence of heart contractions is disturbed (impulses are blocked). The block is classified according to which part of the conduction system is damaged: sinoatrial block (in the atria), atrioventricular block (at the atrioventricular nodes, also called atrioventricular block), and ventricular block (bundle branch block). Blockades can be varying degrees gravity. The causes of the blockage are most often an overdose of drugs (some drugs used to treat heart diseases, such as glycosides), as well as the consequences of rheumatism or myocarditis of another origin, characterized by scarring.

Atrioventricular block

If, as a result of this blockade, the ventricles are completely separated from the atria, then Adams-Stokes attacks appear - a sudden decrease in blood pressure, the patient faints due to insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain. The attack may last only a few seconds, but as a result, there is a violation of the heart. It does not stop completely, because after a few seconds, his ventricles begin to contract. However, complete atrioventricular block is life-threatening. The causes of atrioventricular blockade are varied, for example, calcification of the coronary vessels of the heart, as well as inflammatory processes in the human body.

When blocking the propagation of impulses in the ventricles of the heart, a blockade begins. In this case, both the bundle of His and the nerve fibers are affected.

Treatment

If the heart rhythm is disturbed, antiarrhythmic drugs are usually prescribed. AT severe cases The patient is implanted with a pacemaker. A pacemaker is an electrical device that is implanted under the patient's skin and connected to the heart with electrodes. This device sends impulses that stimulate the heart to beat. Modern pacemakers are programmed in such a way that when physical activity increases, they automatically increase the heart rate (for example, when climbing stairs). With the help of a control device, the doctor can control the operation of the pacemaker from the outside. The pacemaker battery must be changed at the scheduled time.

A person with a pacemaker should avoid electromagnetic fields that can change the operation of the pacemaker, because. it could be life threatening. For example, such people cannot be checked with portable or fixed metal detectors.

Due to the fact that heart rhythm disturbances can be life-threatening, you should consult a doctor if symptoms appear. The first symptoms of pathology: a feeling of slowing or increased heartbeat, a strong heartbeat in the absence of physical activity, as well as dizziness, nausea or chills.

Violation of the heart rhythm, the doctor determines:

according to the patient's pulse;
using a stethoscope, listening to the heart;
and also with the help of percussion (percussion) of the upper body.

The human heart contracts with a certain rhythm, normally a person should not feel heart contractions. The number of contractions of the heart muscle is individual for each person, but still they should not be less than 60 and more than 80 beats per minute. The work of the main muscular organ is provided by the conducting system, in the event that this system fails and there are different kind arrhythmias. The causes of heart rhythm failure are quite diverse, some of them can be very dangerous for human health and life.

Arrhythmias may be due to organic damage heart muscle, the causes of which are:

Ischemia of the heart vessels.
Congenital and acquired heart defects.
Hypertension.
Heart failure.
Severe intoxication of the body when taking certain drugs, alcohol and the influence of certain chemical compounds.
Violation of the hormonal balance of the body.
Infectious diseases.
Traumatization and surgical treatment heart muscle.

However, arrhythmia can also appear in a healthy person (it lasts a short period of time), this happens for the following reasons:

Strong stress.
Excessive physical activity.
Abundant food intake.
Constipation.
Wearing too tight clothes.
In women, it may be a manifestation of premenstrual syndrome.

If the arrhythmia is physiological, then its treatment is not required. It does not cause discomfort and does not disturb the person.

A number of risk factors contribute to the development of this pathology:

genetic predisposition. People with birth defects hearts are more predisposed to the development of cardiac arrhythmias.
Age. The older a person becomes, the more likely he is to experience malfunctions in the work of the heart muscle. The heart wears out, and under the influence various diseases the conduction system may fail.
Diseases of the heart muscle. Arrhythmia quite often occurs on the basis of existing diseases (with coronary artery disease, after myocardial infarction myocardium).

Types of heart rhythm disorders

There are two main groups of arrhythmias depending on the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle:

Tachyarrhythmias (increased heart rate).
Bradyarrhythmias (decrease in the number of heartbeats).

Depending on the defeat of the conduction system, several types of arrhythmias are distinguished, here is their characteristic:

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient's complaints, his examination and data instrumental research:

Electrocardiography. Using this diagnostic method, it is possible to assess the rhythm and frequency of contractions of the heart muscle, as well as the state of the myocardium and cardiac chambers.
Ultrasound examination of the heart. This diagnostic method allows you to detect heart disease that can cause arrhythmia. The state of the heart and its contractile function, its size and the operation of the valvular apparatus are assessed.
Daily monitoring - continuous recording of the electrocardiogram during the day. This study helps to identify not only arrhythmia, but also to determine at what time it occurs and what it can be associated with.

Methods of treatment

Study self-treatment in this case, it is strictly prohibited, as it can be life-threatening for the patient. Therapy is carried out after a thorough diagnosis. For treatment to be effective, the cause of the arrhythmia must be determined. If the rhythm disturbance is caused by any disease, then the underlying disease is treated. Treatment of arrhythmia can be conservative or surgical.

Conservative treatment:

Taking medications (antiarrhythmic treatment).
Electrophysiological methods of treatment: pacing, ablation of the lesion (with tachyarrhythmias), defibrillation.

Conducted according to indications surgery bradyarrhythmias:

Installation of an artificial pacemaker (pacemaker).
Installation of a special defibrillator (resynchronization therapy).

The operation is performed under local anesthesia under X-ray observation.

First aid for heart rhythm disturbances will depend on the type of pathology.

What to do if the attack occurred for the first time? In this case, it is imperative to call an ambulance. Prior to the arrival of medical personnel, the surrounding should help the patient to remain calm and calm the patient. He needs to be helped to get into a comfortable position (sitting / lying down) and to ensure admission to the room fresh air. You can relieve an attack by inducing vomiting. Changing body position (from standing to lying down) can also help. The doctor applies medicines to relieve seizure.

If the attack does not occur for the first time, then the patient must be provided with psychological and physical rest. The patient must accept any depressant(Corvalol, tincture of motherwort or valerian). Man can do it himself breathing exercises. Take a deep breath, then hold your breath and close your eyes, gently press your fingers on your eyelids (10 seconds). Do this exercise for 1 minute.

How to remove an attack ventricular arrhythmias? In this case, the person has no consciousness. Call an ambulance. The patient needs to tilt their head back to Airways were open. If the collar of the garment is tight, then it should be unbuttoned. If there is no pulse, then resuscitation is carried out, which includes indirect massage hearts and artificial ventilation lungs. For this, a person must be laid on a flat and hard surface. Medical workers perform defibrillation and administer drugs.

Sometimes there is a failure of the heart rhythm, and the reasons for this condition may be different. If this was not caused by emotional manifestations, the use of strong drinks, you should consult a doctor.

Our heart performs about a hundred thousand contractions per day. If the electrical impulses are steady, we pay absolutely no attention to the heartbeat. When the system fails, the pounding in the chest intensifies, the rhythm increases, or, conversely, there is a feeling of “fading” of the heart, this causes anxiety. A single manifestation of such a symptom may be the result of stress or overwork. If this happens repeatedly, this may indicate the presence of a serious pathology.

Causes of Rhythm Failure

The heart consists of two ventricles and the same number of atria. In the right atrium there is a sinus node, in which an electrical impulse is formed. Spreading through the atrioventricular node, bundle of His, Purkinje fibers, it initiates contraction of the organ. The norm assumes the frequency of such passages ranging from 60 to 90 times per minute. With the right rhythm, the frequency of heartbeats is the same. If a violation occurs in any region of the conducting system, the normal passage of the impulse is disrupted. Accordingly, there is a failure of the heart rhythm.

But this phenomenon is not always pathological.

For example, a natural violation of the heart rhythm in the form moderate bradycardia(a slight slowdown in the contractility of the organ) occurs in humans at night. This is due to the predominance of vagal effects on the heart. In addition, during the rest period, sinus arrhythmia, extrasystole, impaired atrioventricular conduction of the 1st degree can be observed.

With stress, strong emotional stress, significant physical activity tachycardia may also occur. This is due to disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and the flow of adrenaline into the blood, which leads to an increase in heart rate. A similar symptom can cause a considerable amount of drunk coffee, alcoholic beverages, nicotine. Significant consumption of alcoholic beverages leads to the formation of paroxysm atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia.

In addition, changes in heart rate can be the result of changes in the electrolyte balance of the blood, in the viscosity of the biological fluid.

Such atypical transformations can lead to:

processes inflammatory nature occurring in the body;
overheating or hypothermia;
big loss of blood;
collapse;
intoxication;
clinical and hematological syndrome;
dehydration.

All of the above reasons are temporary. They do not require treatment and disappear after the elimination of the factors that led to the arrhythmia.

But heart rhythm disturbances can also cause complex diseases. Moreover, a malfunction in the work of the body can provoke pathological processes occurring not only in the heart, but also in other organs.

So, such ailments can lead to arrhythmias:

Cardiovascular diseases - defects, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, endocarditis, cardiosclerosis, myocarditis, heart failure, pericarditis, rheumatic heart disease.
Diseases of the nervous system - protracted psychogenic disorders, VVD, stroke, brain injury, oncological processes.
Pathologies of the endocrine system - absolute or relative insufficiency of the hormone insulin, increased or decreased activity of thyroid hormones, pheochromocytoma, menopause.
Ailments gastrointestinal system- hernia esophageal opening, inflammation of the gallbladder, pancreas.

Most often, as a result of such factors, sinus tachycardia, bradycardia, atrial extrasystole, ventricular extrasystole, supraventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular and His bundle blockade occur.

Types of heart rhythm failure

In a healthy person, the heart rhythm is sinus, correct. This means that each impulse originates in the sinus node and proceeds further with the same frequency. In the event of any failure in the passage of the heart rate, it can decrease or increase. Such dysfunctions can be of several types.

Violation of the appearance of an impulse

With such a pathology, an impulse is created either very often or too rarely. In the first case, sinus tachycardia is diagnosed (the heart beats at a frequency of more than 90 beats per minute).

In the second variant, sinus bradycardia is stated (the organ contracts less than 60 times per minute).

When an impulse is formed on other regions of the conduction system, an ectopic focus of excitation occurs. It can be in the atrial regions, atrioventricular node, ventricles. As a result, slow, slipping, rapid ectopic rhythms, untimely depolarization and contraction of the organ or its individual chambers, paroxysmal tachycardia, and flutter appear.

blockades

Such disturbances in the conduction of an impulse through an organ can occur in any area of the system. Therefore, blockades can be sinoatrial, intraatrial, atrioventricular, bundle of His.

Combined views

This category includes dysfunctions in which another ectopic pacemaker works simultaneously with the sinus pacemaker, but the deviations are separated by a blockade. AT such a case the ventricles contract at one rate and the atria at another.

First aid

Unpleasant sensations in the chest necessarily require an ambulance call. And before her arrival, you need to help the patient.

General actions are reduced to the following points:

The person should be reassured and forced to take a horizontal position.
If the pulse is frequent, a pillow should be placed under the head; with rare heartbeats, it is placed under the knees.
It is necessary to unfasten the collar on the patient's clothes, open the window.
Blood pressure should be measured.
When a heart rhythm failure has caused stress or excitement, a person should be given a few drops of Corvalol, tincture of valerian root, or other sedatives.
If the failure of the heart rhythm is accompanied by pain in the chest area, it is necessary to put Nitroglycerin under the tongue.
With an increase in heart rate, you can apply a vagal test: strain during deep breath, close your eyes and press on your eyelids, induce vomiting or cough.