Paroxysmal tachycardia is a sharp and sudden acceleration of the heartbeat. It is associated with the influence of the ectopic focus, which generates impulses for contraction of the myocardium.
Reasons and types
Paroxysmal tachycardia occurs with heart attack, myocarditis,
atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis. In the etiology of the development of this pathology, cardiomyopathies and hypertension are distinguished. In addition, paroxysmal tachycardia develops without organic damage to the myocardium. So, they can be observed with
neurocirculatory dystonia, abuse of coffee or alcohol, with hormonal disorders.
The following types of this heart rhythm disturbance are distinguished:
- supraventricular - characterized by the formation of an ectopic lesion in the atrioventricular node or in the atria (paroxysmal atrial tachycardia);
- if additional impulses come from the ventricles, then this indicates the development of ventricular paroxysmal heart rhythm.
Clinical manifestations
An attack of such tachycardia occurs and disappears suddenly. It lasts from a few seconds to several days. The patient experiences a sudden shock in the region of the heart, which turns into a pronounced heartbeat and discomfort in the chest. Sometimes patients report pain in the heart and shortness of breath. Quite often, paroxysmal tachycardia is accompanied by general weakness and dizziness. Sometimes there is an increase in blood pressure, a feeling of lack of air or a
coma in the throat. Excessive urination may occur after the end of the attack.
Less commonly, with paroxysmal tachycardia, neurological symptoms are observed in the form of aphasia and hemiparesis. There may also be manifestations of autonomic dysfunction. Patients complain of nausea and sweating, low-grade fever and flatulence. After an attack, polyuria is characteristic, urine is allocated low density. Prolonged paroxysmal tachycardia is manifested by a decrease in blood pressure, weakness and loss of consciousness.
Treatment
With paroxysmal tachycardia, you can try to eliminate the attack using reflex methods. So, you can massage in the area of the carotid sinus, hold your breath and immerse your face in cold water for 30 seconds, inflate a balloon or press the eyeballs with moderate force.
Drug therapy includes taking special medications. The most commonly prescribed drugs are Novocainamide, Propafenone, Amiodarone, Verapamil. With the ineffectiveness of pharmacological treatment, they resort to electrical defibrillation, especially in cases where coronary insufficiency or arrhythmic collapse develops.
When severe paroxysmal tachycardia occurs, the operation is effective because it involves isolation or direct removal of the ectopic focus in the heart. Surgical treatment is also indicated for frequent relapses of the disease and the ineffectiveness of antiarrhythmic drugs.