The heart rhythm is directly dependent on the impulses generated in the sinus node, which is the main driver of the heart rate, or in other parts of the conducting system. Normally, the sinus node generates pulses with a frequency of 60-100 in 1 min, while suppressing the capabilities of other heart rate drivers. The appearance of individual contractions occurs at the same intervals. Changing the length of time between individual contractions leads to a shortening of systole - a contraction of the heart or to a decrease in diastole - relaxation of the heart. The rhythm of the heart is regulated by the endocrine system with the help of hormones and the autonomic nervous system.
Violation of the heart rhythm manifests itself in the form of its acceleration, deceleration, the appearance of additional beats and absolute mismatch in the form of chaotic contractions.
Why heart rhythm can be broken?
The root causes of this can be various heart diseases, which over time lead to the development of a sick sinus syndrome — a symptom complex of symptoms that may disappear, appear, or change. These include the appearance of dizziness, exhaustion, fainting, impaired consciousness, heart failure. The following causes have a great influence on the heart rhythm:
- lack of air (hypoxia);
- arterial hypertension;
- myocardial infarction and other forms of ischemic heart disease;
- heart defects and inflammatory myocardial diseases;
- congenital changes in the sinus node;
- consumption of excitatory substances;
- endocrine diseases;
- consumption of certain medicinal products;
- overeating, alcohol abuse, smoking;
- stresses and excessive impressions;
- anemia;
- heart failure;
- physical overload.
What are heart rhythm disturbances?
The broken heart rhythm occurs in almost all people throughout life. Arrhythmias are often variants of the norm, in other cases, pathology. Rhythm disturbances are often the first signs of heart disease.
The most common disturbed sinus rhythm of the heart. This group of arrhythmias includes respiratory arrhythmia, sinus tachycardia and bradycardia.
Respiratory arrhythmia is not pathological and is easily recognized while examining the pulse and respiration. It is often found in emotional people with a labile nervous system.
Sinus tachycardia is said to be if cardiac contractions exceed 80 per minute. Such arrhythmia is often observed in practically healthy people during physical exertion, with strong emotions, an increase in temperature. This form of arrhythmia and diseases cause infections - infections, carditis, vascular insufficiency and other pathological conditions.
If heart rate is determined less than 60 - sinus bradycardia is diagnosed . Bradycardia is usually found in athletes, people doing physical work, and sometimes it happens during sleep. Various medications, viral infections, and sometimes myocardial infarction cause the development of this condition.
More complex cardiac arrhythmias include ectopic arrhythmias. The main reason for their appearance is the formation of additional foci of excitability in the myocardium. This group of arrhythmias includes extrasystoles, paroxysmal tachycardia, atrial fibrillation.
Slowing the conduction of impulses along the conduction system of the heart or complete cessation of conduction is called blockade. Depending on the site of the violation, there are blockade of the sinus-atrial, atrial-ventricular and blockade of individual branches of the bundle of His.
As you can see, the normal rhythm of the heart can vary widely. Diagnose changes in heart rate using an ECG. As a rule, arrhythmias are not independent diseases, but manifestations of various diseases of the heart and other organs. Therefore, the treatment of arrhythmias is primarily in the treatment of the underlying disease.