Ventricular early repolarization syndrome - what is it? SRRG is a definition that is used by specialists to describe some changes on the ECG, the cause of which has not been established.
Contraction of the heart occurs as a result of a strong change in the electric charge in the cells. Changes take place in several phases:
- depolarization (responsible for the reduction process);
- repolarization (responsible for the process of relaxing the muscles of the heart before subsequent repeated contraction).
Two processes alternate one after another. The heart contractions are based on the transition of potassium, sodium and calcium ions from the intercellular space to the cells themselves and vice versa.
Status Description
By the way, it was previously believed that SRGR on an ECG is a completely safe phenomenon. But after a series of diagnostics, doctors found that this condition significantly increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest.
So, if an adult has SRG on an ECG - what does this mean? ATS is most often diagnosed in people who regularly engage in sports, in drug addicts, patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, young men and older men. The frequency of determining the lesion ranges from 3 to 24% of the total population of the country. The accuracy of the test result will directly depend on the method used. Signs of early ventricular repolarization syndrome on an ECG are determined by cardiologists.
The main causes of the violation
SRH syndrome has not yet been adequately studied by specialists and doctors. The most common theory about its appearance is the development of the disease due to increased susceptibility to a heart attack in ischemic diseases, or due to minor changes in the action potential of cardiomyocytes (heart cells). If we consider this theory, then the early repolarization occurs as a result of the release of a large amount of potassium from the cells.
The second theory of the appearance of the causes of early ventricular repolarization syndrome is associated with disorders in the process of depolarization and repolarization of cells in certain parts of the heart muscle. For example, this condition is considered quite common with Brugada type 1 syndrome.
Hereditary factors leading to the disease continue to be actively studied by doctors. They are based on mutations of specific genes that are responsible for the balance of incoming ions of some cells and the output of others.
How can you determine on an ECG that it is an SRG
To determine the presence of SRH in humans, as already mentioned, it is possible with the help of an ECG. The main symptoms of SRGR on an ECG in an adult include the following:
- Elevation (increase) of the ST segment above the passing contour.
- The presence on the ST segment of a downward line.
- A significant increase in the amplitude of the R wave in the area of the chest leads, in which the S wave completely disappears or significantly decreases on the ECG.
- Point J (at which the QRS goes to the ST segment) begins to rise above the isoline on which the descending knee of the R wave is located.
- In some cases, a whole wave J appears on the descending R wave, which is more similar in appearance to a notch.
- Increase in size and length of ORS.
It should be noted, speaking about the signs of SRGR on the ECG, that this indicator indicates the development of early stage ventricular repolarization. They can be considered more accurately at a low heart rate.
The main types of syndrome
So, SRG on the ECG - what is this indicator? Based on the examination, the doctor identifies the type of syndrome, each of which leads to certain complications and symptoms of the lesion:
- First type. In this condition, symptoms of early repolarization extend to the chest leads of the ECG. Most often, a pathology is detected in a healthy person. The risk of complications is very small. In this case, you should not worry much about your health, since such a condition is not dangerous.
- The second type. Symptoms of early repolarization are in the lower lateral as well as lower ECG leads. The risk of various complications is high.
- The third type. Symptoms of early repolarization are noticeable in all areas of the ECG. The risk of complications is highest. In this condition, the doctor prescribes the patient an immediate comprehensive treatment.
Symptoms of lesion
ECG on ECG in adolescents and adults leads to the appearance of various signs of malaise. The clinical picture can be classified into two groups.
The first group consists of those patients whose disease provokes the development of life-threatening complications - cardiac arrest or fainting.
Fainting is a short-term loss of consciousness and muscle tone, which is characterized by a sudden appearance and the same unexpected recovery. The condition appears as a result of problems with the blood supply to the brain.
When diagnosed with ATS, the most common factor for fainting is considered to be a disturbance in the rhythm of contraction of the ventricles of the heart. Cardiac arrest is a sudden cessation of blood circulation in the cardiovascular system that occurs after a partial or complete stop of cardiac contractions.
With ATS, cardiac arrest occurs as a result of ventricular fibrillation. And this is the most dangerous condition, which is characterized by fast, irregular, as well as uncoordinated contractions of the heart muscle. Within a couple of seconds after the onset of ventricular fibrillation, a person usually loses consciousness, then respiratory activity stops, the pulse disappears. And if he is not provided with immediate medical assistance, then a fatal outcome can be provoked.
The second group of patients is considered the largest. People who are in this group with ATS do not suffer from pronounced symptoms. Early repolarization of the ventricles during examination of patients is detected by chance, usually during an unscheduled study. These people are less prone to serious complications, and their early ventricular repolarization syndrome is mild.
Until complications occur, the disease does not in any way limit a person’s activity and does not prevent him from living fully.
The risk of developing the syndrome
For many people, SRH does not interfere with a normal life, but it is important for patients to pay attention to the high risk of serious heart problems.
Of particular importance are the following factors:
- Medical history. Doctors say that 39% of patients who have been diagnosed with cardiac arrest associated with early ventricular repolarization have regularly fainted before this. It is for this reason that fainting in a person with symptoms of ASCI is considered a rather serious symptom, which indicates a high risk of sudden cardiac arrest. In 43% of patients with SRH who underwent cardiac arrest, problems with the cardiovascular system reappeared. In 14% of patients with the syndrome that provoked ventricular fibrillation, a family history of sudden death of relatives was revealed. Such information only confirms that the anamnesis in most cases helps prevent a person from developing complications after the syndrome.
- Features of changes in SRG on ECG in a child and adult. Doctors have found that some changes in the ECG may indicate that the patient has an increased risk of serious complications. For example, there is a high risk of sudden death in those who suffer from symptoms of ventricular repolarization in the lower leads.
Specialists who decipher the results of the examination will provide the patient with timely assistance and help to avoid serious complications.
Ventricular repolarization: what is it and how is it treated
SRH is a fairly common disease. For many people, it does not cause any unpleasant symptoms and does not pose a danger to their life and general well-being.
People with ECG changes who do not feel any symptoms may not receive complex treatment. After complications, some patients at risk are implanted with a cardioverter-defibrillator or treated with medications.
Implantation
When a cardioverter-defibrillator is implanted, a small device is inserted into the chest area, which has a comprehensive therapeutic effect and eliminates disturbances in the heart rhythm. From it, specialized electrodes are passed into the heart cavity, through which the device applies an electric charge during arrhythmia, which helps restore normal heart muscle contraction.
Medication
For people prone to early stage SRH, implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator is performed if they previously had problems with heart rhythm. The same surgical intervention can be prescribed to those people with SRG on an ECG whose relatives died due to sudden cardiac arrest at an early age.
Drug treatment is prescribed for patients in whom such a condition has provoked changes in the heart rhythm that are dangerous for the state of health. In this case, the following drugs are most often used:
- "Isoproterenol" - helps to suppress acute syndrome;
- "Quinidine" - supports the patient's condition, helps protect against the occurrence of arrhythmias.
Specialist forecast
Many people with ventricular repolarization disorder syndrome are given a favorable diagnosis on the ECG. But in some patients, pathological changes in the heart can lead to rather dangerous consequences. The main thing in this situation is to determine in time the degree of damage to the body before the patient experiences the first episode of a dangerous violation of cardiac activity.
Diet change
After the study, an adult or child should be observed by a specialist for a long time. If ATS does not lead to pathological processes in the heart, then it is wrong to prescribe a course treatment with medications.
In this case, it is important for patients to exclude increased physical stress on the body, try to avoid emotional overstrain and stress. The menu should be enriched with potassium, which is in the right amount in baked potatoes, green beans, onions, carrots, dried apricots, peas, peaches, spinach.
With non-drug therapy, as many foods as possible containing magnesium, which are in sufficient quantities in seaweed, nuts, cocoa, and buckwheat, should be included in the diet. A good effect can be achieved with regular use of foods high in vitamin B.
In the event that a child or an adult has pathological processes in the body, then medication is prescribed. It will directly depend on which disease is diagnosed. If ATS leads to arrhythmias that are hazardous to health, it is important to consider surgical intervention and eliminate early ventricular repolarization. Treatment should be under strict medical supervision.