What deviations in the work of the body most often alarm an ordinary person without special chronic diseases? Of course, a heart failure! Since this symptom can be a bell of the development of severe, previously absent pathologies.
An interruption in the work of the heart is a single or multiple cases of the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the region of the heart muscle with various manifestations. Namely, “turning over”, “fading”, stopping (short-term) or “gurgling” in the heart. It may be accompanied by a feeling of “coma” in the throat, slightly labored breathing, dizziness, and even fainting. Sometimes a heart failure occurs after eating while lying down.
Types of Arrhythmias
An interruption in the work of the heart (the medical name is arrhythmia) is inherently a change in the strength, frequency and regularity of the contraction of the heart muscle. In this regard, the following types of arrhythmias are:
- Extrasystole. It is determined by a single premature heart contraction. Most pass unnoticed, but accompanied by a deterioration in overall health and a decrease in performance. It is detected as a result of electrocardiography (ECG). An increase in extrasystole can lead to an increase in the number of fainting conditions and stimulate the development of angina pectoris and atrial fibrillation.
- Bradycardia It is determined by a slowdown in heart rhythm with a decrease in the activity of the sinus node. In some athletes (if the cardiovascular system is well trained) it is considered a natural state at rest. With excessive slowdown, a decrease in blood flow occurs. There is a lack of oxygen and a deficiency of nutrients entering various organs. As a result, fatigue, dizziness (up to fainting), loss of stability of blood pressure appear.
- Tachycardia. It is determined by the acceleration of the heartbeat while strengthening the sinus node. With an increase in physical or psychological (fears and excitement) stress, this type of arrhythmia is considered the norm (if after rest and in a calm state it disappears). In other cases, persistent tachycardia leads to myocardial wear and impaired circulation. There is a risk of coronary disease and heart attack. This type of arrhythmia is a symptom of many serious diseases.
- Atrial fibrillation (translated as "madness of the heart"). It is determined by the malfunction of the entire myocardium. Irregular contraction of the heart muscle indicates the presence of cardiovascular diseases (for example, acquired and congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, arterial hypertension). It is accompanied by weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, decreased blood pressure and other troubles.
Heart rate failure mechanism
Failure can occur in different parts of the heart. Namely, in the work:
- Atria Their function is to pump blood into the ventricles.
- Ventricles. Their job is to pump blood throughout the body.
- Sinus node. Its function is to generate the momentum necessary to contract the muscles of the heart.
- Atrioventricular node. His work is to inhibit the impulse so that atrial contraction occurs before ventricular contraction.
Possible causes of arrhythmia
Interruption of the heart (arrhythmia) can occur for various reasons:
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Pathology of the nervous system.
- Diseases of the endocrine system.
- The use of certain drugs.
- Physical and psychological stress.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Abuse of alcohol, smoking, or certain types of drinks.
- Other, less common causes.
To determine the severity of the pathological condition and the nature of its manifestation, a doctor’s consultation and examination are necessary. Almost all types of arrhythmias can be determined using an ECG. Based on the results of the survey, further recommendations and instructions of a specialist are based.