Rhythm of the heart in normal and pathological conditions

The rhythm of the heart is directly dependent on the impulses produced in the sinus node, which is the main driver of the heart rhythm, 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 drivers of the heart rhythm. The appearance of individual reductions occurs at the same intervals of time. The change in the duration of time between individual contractions leads to a shortening of the systole-contraction of the heart or to a decrease in diastole-the 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 strokes and absolute mismatch in the form of chaotic contractions.

Why can the rhythm of the heart be broken?

The primary causes of this may be various heart diseases that, over time, lead to the development of the sinus node weakness syndrome-a symptom complex that can 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 rhythm of the heart:

- lack of air (hypoxia);

- arterial hypertension;

- myocardial infarction and other forms of IHD;

- heart diseases and inflammatory diseases of the myocardium;

- congenital changes of the sinus node;

- intake of excitatory substances;

- endocrine diseases;

- consumption of certain medicinal products;

- Overeating, alcohol abuse, smoking;

- stress and unnecessary impressions;

- Anemia;

- heart failure;

- physical overload.

What are irregular heartbeats

An abnormal heart rhythm occurs in almost all people throughout life. Often arrhythmias are variants of the norm, in other cases - pathology. Rhythm disorders are often the first signs of heart disease.

Most often there is a disturbed sinus rhythm of the heart. This arrhythmia includes respiratory arrhythmia, sinus tachycardia and bradycardia.

Respiratory arrhythmia is not pathological and is easily recognized by the simultaneous examination of the pulse and respiration. It is often found in emotional people, with a labile nervous system.

Sinus tachycardia is spoken of if the heart beat exceeds 80 per minute. Such an arrhythmia is often observed in practically healthy people during physical exertion, with strong emotions, an increase in temperature. This form of arrhythmia and disease - infection, carditis, vascular insufficiency and other pathological conditions.

If the heart rate is less than 60, a sinus bradycardia is diagnosed . Bradycardia usually occurs in athletes, people performing physical work, and sometimes it happens during sleep. The development of this condition is caused by various medications, viral infections, and sometimes - myocardial infarction.

To more complex violations of the heart rhythm include ectopic arrhythmias. The main reason for their appearance is the formation of additional foci of excitability in the myocardium. To this group arrhythmias include extrasystole, paroxysmal tachycardia, ciliary arrhythmia.

The slowing down of impulses through the conduction system of the heart or the complete cessation of conduction is called blockade. Depending on the site of the disturbance, the sinus-atrial, atrioventricular and blockades of separate branches of the bundle are distinguished.

As you can see, the normal rhythm of the heart can vary within wide limits. Diagnose changes in the heart rate with the ECG. As a rule, arrhythmias are not independent diseases, but manifestations of various diseases of the heart and other organs. Therefore, treatment of arrhythmias is primarily in the treatment of the underlying disease.