Short PQ Syndrome is one of a pleiad of manifestations of heart rhythm disturbances. It is rarely an independent pathology. Basically, in case histories appears as a complication of the underlying disease and is one of the common causes of sudden death.
History and classification
Shortened PQ syndrome was described by doctors as early as the mid-twentieth century. The study was based on an analysis of only two hundred cases of the disease, selected from the entire mass of cardiological patients. Then, no organic changes in the heart that this syndrome would cause were detected.
In adults, shortening the PQ interval means that its duration is reduced by less than 0.12 seconds. Scientists attribute this to the abnormal arrangement of nerve fibers of the organ's conduction system. In clinical practice, two syndromes are distinguished:
- Wolf-Parkinson-White. It is caused by the presence of a Kent pathological bundle in the myocardium that connects the atrium and ventricle without entering the atrioventricular node.
- Clerk-Levy-Cristesco (CLC). Caused by an abnormal arrangement of the James beam. It is located between the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes.
Causes and pathogenesis
Indirect conduction paths can be in sleep mode for many years. Therefore, the syndrome of shortened PQ appears, as a rule, against the background of another pathology. And in the absence of uncomfortable symptoms, it is sometimes considered as a variant of the norm.
Electric impulses in a changed heart simultaneously pass through the main system and along additional paths. Moreover, at the level of the septum between the atria and ventricles, a slowdown in conductivity occurs, which is not found in abnormal bundles of fibers. This causes a contraction of a single portion of the ventricle before the pulse spreads throughout the myocardium. So there are ventricular arrhythmias.
Symptoms
If the syndrome of shortened PQ is considered pathological, then the patient has attacks of rapid heartbeat, which last from ten to twenty seconds. They pass on their own and do not require medical intervention. Most often, such paroxysms are associated with stress, overwork, excessive physical exertion. But, as a rule, the reason remains unknown.
A sudden increase in heart rate can cause a panic attack in patients, a feeling of discomfort in the sternum, pallor and sweat. But sometimes patients do not even suspect that they have a pathology from the heart. The PQ interval on the cardiogram is counted from the beginning of the P wave to the beginning of the Q wave. Normally, this indicator ranges from one hundred twenty to two hundred milliseconds.
Treatment
The shortened PQ interval, which is detected against the background of a normal heart rhythm, does not cause any serious complaints in the patient, does not need treatment and is considered as an option for an individual physiological norm. A doctor may be alerted by the presence of paroxysmal tachycardia (or other arrhythmias), myocardial inflammation or heart attack, which require an additional comprehensive examination and medical correction.
Of the instrumental methods, modern medicine can offer radiofrequency catheter ablation or cryoablation. This allows you to isolate areas that generate additional action potentials, thereby reducing their effect on heart rate. The choice of method depends on the cause of the shortened PQ. In addition to eliminating the symptoms, the cardiologist will prescribe treatment for the underlying disease. This will avoid future complications and prolong the effect of ablation.
Prevention
Patients with CLC syndrome, as a rule, do not require specific preventive measures. Especially if before that he did not show himself. But in case of uncomfortable sensations, such as pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, it is necessary to consult a local therapist. There are general methods for the prevention of all diseases of the cardiovascular system:
- change in lifestyle to a more active one;
- losing weight;
- rational diet;
- giving up bad habits: smoking and drinking alcohol;
- reduced salt intake;
- sleep at least eight hours a day.
It’s probably not worth reminding that it is necessary to reduce the number of stressful situations and increase the time of walks in the fresh air.
Forecast
The prognosis for this disease is usually favorable, especially with an asymptomatic course. However, people with burdened heredity may die. The exception is athletes and test pilots. They fall into the category of occupational risk.
If patients have complaints from the heart, then their prognosis is somewhat worse. But modern treatments can reduce the risk of fatal complications. In any case, do not panic. It is better to contact a competent specialist who can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.