The main characteristics of the contraction of the heart muscles are their frequency, consistency and rhythm. Any pathological deviation of these indicators of normal values indicates that there is a disturbance of the heart rhythm. Arrhythmias are dangerous states that result from changes in the basic functions of the heart.
Causes of heart rhythm disturbance
The most common factors contributing to the deviation of the heart rhythm from normal indices are associated with such cardiological diseases:
- heart failure;
- unstable angina;
- myocardial infarction;
- cardiomyopathy;
- cardiac ischemia;
- acquired or congenital malformations;
- mitral valve prolapse;
- heart tumors;
- myocarditis .
Also, the causes of arrhythmia can be:
- taking certain drugs (diuretics, glycosides, sympathomimetics);
- thyrotoxicosis;
- stress;
- bad habits;
- disturbance of the electrolyte balance.
Often there are idiopathic forms of pathology with an unexplained origin.
Symptoms of heart rhythm disturbance
There are many different forms of arrhythmia, so its clinical manifestations are diverse. Common signs of the disease:
- rapid, rapid heartbeat;
- fainting;
- dyspnea;
- frequent dizziness;
- feeling of "fading" of the heart;
- anxiety;
- sweating;
- change in skin tone;
- "Hard" breathing, possibly with wheezing.
To diagnose the presence of these symptoms is not enough, it will take several times to make an ECG.
Emergency care for acute cardiac arrhythmias
In view of the numerous types of the described condition, and the specificity of treatment for each of them, a person who does not have medical education will not be able to provide full pre-hospital care to the victim. Therefore, when the first symptoms of an attack, you should immediately call a team of specialists.
Treatment of heart rhythm disturbances
Control arrhythmia can be through medication or surgery.
Conservative therapy involves the use of antiarrhythmic drugs (Allapenin, Ritmonorm), as well as medications that correct the work of the conduction system of the heart (beta-blockers, glycosides).
More effective and progressive methods are:
- installation of a pacemaker ;
- catheter radiofrequency ablation.