The reasons for the appearance of extrasystole during pregnancy and why is it dangerous?

During the period of bearing a child, a woman’s stress on the cardiac system increases, and irregular myocardial function is observed. Extrasystole during pregnancy is a common occurrence. It consists in the occurrence of an additional contraction that occurs outside the rhythm. The anomaly affects the entire heart or a specific area of ​​it and is considered a type of arrhythmia. Ventricular extrasystoles during pregnancy appear due to changes in hormonal balance, especially if before the “interesting situation” women had minor disorders of the cardiovascular system, or there was a predisposition to them.

Classification

Extrasystole during pregnancy is a disease that provokes contraction of the heart muscle. The disruption occurs during the adhesion interval, causing pain. The pathology is often diagnosed in pregnant women who are prone to cardiovascular diseases.

Experts classify heart rhythm disturbances according to various criteria, which form the overall picture of the disease.

1. Based on the onset of appearance, two types of violations are distinguished:

• monotopic - the coupling interval remains unchanged, but a single source of excitation appears;
• polytopic - the coupling interval is unstable, many sources of excitation arise simultaneously.

2. Based on the place of formation, two types are distinguished:

• ventricular, arise in the ventricles of the heart;
• supraventricular, develop in other areas of the heart.

3. Based on the type of development, they diagnose:

• single;
• paired ones that follow one after another.

4. Based on the duration of manifestation, the following disorders are distinguished:

• late;
• average;
• early.

Important!

It is worth noting that supraventricular extrasystole is often diagnosed in pregnant women (we wrote more about this type of disease here). A characteristic feature of the disorder is an extraordinary sharp contraction of the heart muscle or its individual parts. At these moments, there is a feeling that the heart is stopping or turning over.

Varieties

The classification of the disease can be based on various criteria.

According to the number of sources of excitation, extrasystoles are distinguished:

1. Monotopic. They are caused by a single impulse and are characterized by their appearance with a certain periodicity in the same area of ​​the heart.
2. Polytopic. They have different intervals between contractions and appear in different areas of the myocardium.

The types are distinguished by location:

• gastric or ventricular;
• supraventricular or supraventricular.

Depending on the time of occurrence, extraordinary contractions are:

• early;
• average;
• late.

Extrasystoles also differ in the nature of their flow:

• single (episodic);
• doubles (several times in a row).

Repeated systoles are more dangerous because they significantly disrupt the normal rhythm of heart contractions, causing discomfort for the pregnant woman.

Causes of the disease

The development of extrasystole in pregnant women can be triggered by various factors: chronic diseases and external irritants. As a rule, the pathological process develops due to the presence of such diseases:

• previous heart attack;
• ischemia;
• failure of the autonomic system;
• myocardia;
• tachycardia;
• congenital heart defects;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• pericarditis;
• injuries.

During pregnancy, extrasystole can appear even in the later stages. If a woman performs heavy physical work, overexertion provokes the development of myocardial dystrophy. In addition, as the fetus grows, the pressure on the chest changes, which can cause heart rhythm disturbances.

Extrasystole can develop due to the negative impact of external factors and poor lifestyle. As a rule, the pathological process is diagnosed in the following cases:

• smoking;
• alcohol consumption;
• stress;
• complications after taking certain medications;
• lack of vitamins.

What do you need to know?

Interruptions in the functioning of the heart cause a pregnant woman to fear for her life and the health of her baby. According to the expectant mother, serious diseases are developing. But you should not be afraid, since such symptoms are natural and are observed in most women who are in an “interesting situation.”

Extrasystole is not considered a contraindication to getting pregnant. But this statement applies to cases where there were no heart pathologies before conception.

If women have a history of cardiovascular dysfunction (including conduction disorders), then they are at risk of developing extrasystoles. The appearance of failures in the heart system is a serious reason to visit a doctor. It is necessary to carry out treatment and follow medical recommendations. A visit to a specialist for arrhythmia is mandatory for all pregnant women, regardless of the causes of the pathology and the presence (or absence) of cardiovascular dysfunction.

Symptoms of extrasystole

Extrasystole in pregnant women occurs with virtually no symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose the problem during a routine examination. It is important to see a doctor regularly in order to promptly notice the pathology and eliminate it.

Every woman's body is different. Therefore, it is not surprising that abnormal heart rhythms can be accompanied by different symptoms, and each of them is dangerous. Among the most common signs, doctors identify:

• feeling of heat. Usually appears during sudden temperature changes. The woman feels hot, which quickly gives way to chills;
• pain in the chest area (in a neglected state, a strong aching pain is felt);
• shortness of breath, appears due to rapid heartbeat;
• rapid heartbeat, felt even in a calm state;
• the pulse is palpable unevenly;
• general weakness and malaise, which is accompanied by drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue;
• panic attack occurs due to lack of air;
• increased sweating.

If a woman notices one of the above symptoms or several at the same time, she should immediately consult a doctor. The careless attitude of the expectant mother to her health provokes circulatory problems in the fetus, which can cause serious pathologies in the newborn baby.

Extrasystole during pregnancy - why it is dangerous and how to treat it

Heart rhythm disturbances are understood as conditions in which the basic properties of the heart change - excitability, conductivity and automaticity.
In this case, the work of the myocardium is disrupted. The frequency and rhythm of heart contractions changes, and the conduction of impulses through tissues slows down. The blood flow through the internal organs deteriorates, and various disturbances occur in their functioning. The reasons for the development of extrasystole in pregnant women are not fully understood. During gestation, there are no changes in the structure of the heart muscle and its conduction system that could lead to rhythm disturbances.

But extrasystole occurs - and is often detected only during gestation. After childbirth, in a large number of women, all heart rhythm disturbances disappear without a trace and do not affect the further course of life.

There are several factors that provoke the development of extrasystole during gestation:

• Hemodynamic reasons: increase in BCC - circulating blood volume by 20% of the original; increased cardiac output; increased heart rate.
• Autonomic factors: active release of catecholamines (adrenaline, norepinephrine) and increased tissue sensitivity to them. This is considered a natural reaction to stress - that is, pregnancy.
• Hormonal changes: increased concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, renin, angiotensin in the blood of the expectant mother. These hormones contribute to the normal course of pregnancy and childbirth.

The likelihood of developing pathology increases after 20 weeks. During this period, the load on the myocardium increases, and rhythm disturbances appear. We observed a large number of patients and found that the risk of extrasystole increases in the following situations:

• multiple pregnancy;
• polyhydramnios;
• heart diseases that occurred before pregnancy (including congenital and acquired defects);
• endocrine disorders in the mother (diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperthyroidism);
• insufficient nutrition and strict diets (lead to a lack of magnesium and potassium, necessary for the full functioning of the heart muscle);
• alcohol abuse, addiction to coffee and strong tea;
• heavy physical work during pregnancy;
• stressful situations.

All these women are at high risk and require special attention from a doctor.

Symptoms and signs

In approximately half of pregnant women, extrasystole is asymptomatic. The expectant mother feels well, does not notice any interruptions in her heart function, and leads her usual lifestyle. The pathology is detected accidentally during a routine examination - electrocardiography (ECG).

Some women experience the following symptoms due to extrasystole:

• interruptions in the functioning of the heart (feeling of fading);
• discomfort in the chest area;
• shortness of breath with slight exertion;
• causeless anxiety and restlessness;
• weakness and increased fatigue.

In the second half of pregnancy, many women notice changes in the behavior of the fetus. The baby becomes more active or, on the contrary, calms down. Such symptoms indicate possible fetal hypoxia. A mandatory consultation with a gynecologist is required.

Consequences for the fetus

Extrasystole can affect the development of the fetus. Impaired blood flow in the heart muscle interferes with the full supply of oxygen to the tissues. With minor and short-term changes in rhythm, this is not dangerous.

The fetus adapts quite well to hypoxia, mobilizing the reserves of the mother's body.

With a long course of the disease, oxygen starvation of fetal tissues develops, the woman’s body’s adaptation to pregnancy is disrupted, and complications arise:

• chronic fetal hypoxia due to placental insufficiency;
• intrauterine growth retardation;
• gestosis;
• termination of pregnancy: spontaneous miscarriage up to 22 weeks, premature birth - from 22 to 37 weeks.

Statistics show that the likelihood of developing such complications is higher against the background of existing heart disease.

How to recognize extrasystole?

Pathology can be diagnosed by performing an ECG. There are two possible types of rhythm disturbances:

• supraventricular extrasystole (SVES);
• ventricular extrasystole (VES).

The supraventricular variant during the physiological course of pregnancy is more common than other rhythm disturbances and accounts for up to 65%. The ventricular form is less common.

The photo below shows supraventricular extrasystole.

The next photo shows ventricular extrasystole.

If abnormalities are detected on the ECG, the woman is referred for consultation to a therapist and cardiologist. During the examination, the doctor pays attention to the color of the skin and the general condition of the patient. Blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate are measured. Auscultation is performed - listening to heart sounds.

Additional information about a woman’s condition is provided by the following research methods:

• daily ECG monitoring;
• echocardiography - ultrasound of the heart;
• hemostasiogram - a blood test for clotting.

The condition of the fetus is assessed using auscultation and ultrasound; in the later stages, CTG is connected.

When do you need to see a doctor?

A benign course of extrasystole is noted in the absence of symptoms or good tolerance of attacks. But if a woman’s condition worsens, management tactics need to be reconsidered.

Pregnant women adapt quite well to the rhythm disturbances that arise, and often no special treatment is required.

If the expectant mother does not notice attacks of extrasystole or feels well during them (there are minor interruptions in the heart, there may be anxiety, but there is no need to change the usual way of life), it is enough to wait out this period.

But if the pregnant woman’s health worsens, chest discomfort, a feeling of fear, and insomnia appear, she needs to consult a doctor. The reason for the examination may also be the appearance of other changes in the cardiogram that are not associated with extrasystole.

Principles of treatment

Extrasystole and pregnancy are compatible, and often special therapy is not even required. Drug treatment is prescribed in the following situations:

• severe discomfort – deterioration of the woman’s well-being;
• progression of pathology during pregnancy;
• deterioration of the fetus' condition.

Most proposed antiarrhythmic drugs are prohibited during pregnancy. Some products can only be used after 14 weeks - at a time when the internal organs of the fetus are already formed.

We are faced with a non-trivial task - to select medications that can improve the condition of the expectant mother, but will not harm the child. When choosing a drug, it is important to consider: during pregnancy, a larger dosage is often required.

This is due to an increase in blood volume, increased metabolism of the drug in the liver and active excretion through the kidneys.

The selection of antiarrhythmic drugs takes into account the recommendations of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). All drugs according to the FDA are divided into several groups, taking into account the possibility of their use in pregnant women.

During gestation, it is allowed to use medications of groups A and B - safe and conditionally safe for the fetus. This means that the studies conducted did not reveal a negative effect of these drugs on the development of the child or found an insignificant risk.

In rare cases, it is suggested to take drugs from group C, when the potential benefit outweighs the likely harm.

Patient management tactics are determined by hemodynamic parameters.

If, against the background of extrasystole, the functioning of the mother’s cardiovascular system is disrupted or disturbances in the uteroplacental and fetal blood flow occur, mandatory drug therapy is carried out.

Priority is given to drugs based on Solatol, Acebutol (FDA category - B). The use of sedatives is indicated - valerian and motherwort extract.

If the condition of the woman and fetus is stable, first of all you need to try to find the cause of the extrasystole (heart and lung diseases, endocrine disorders, neurosis, etc.). By removing the underlying pathology, we can do without other drug correction.

A 25-year-old woman, during a follow-up visit to a gynecologist, complained of a feeling of a sinking heart, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.

After the interview, it became known that such symptoms appeared at 22 weeks, but previously the patient did not pay attention to them, mistaking them for normal manifestations of pregnancy. The duration of this pregnancy is 28 weeks, the symptoms gradually increase.

The patient complains that she often wakes up at night, feels tired during the day and cannot work fully.

From the anamnesis it is known that the pregnancy is the first, planned. Before conceiving the child, the woman was not registered with a therapist or cardiologist, and does not report any diseases of the cardiovascular system. Currently taking multivitamins for pregnant women (Vitrum prenatal forte). Upon examination, the woman's condition is satisfactory. The condition of the fetus is not impaired (according to auscultation).

The patient was sent for an ECG, which revealed supraventricular tachycardia. After consulting a therapist, the woman underwent further examination; no pathology was found in the internal organs. A diagnosis of “Vegetative-vascular dystonia” was made.

The patient was prescribed motherwort extract for 4 weeks. A full night's sleep of at least 8 hours, regular walking, and avoidance of strong tea and coffee are recommended. After 6 weeks, the woman’s condition improved.

There were no pregnancy complications identified at the time of the follow-up examination.

In the treatment of extrasystole in pregnant women, special attention is paid to non-drug therapy. Recommended:

• A full night's sleep of at least 8 hours. Daytime sleep – 1-2 hours if possible and necessary.
• Adequate physical activity: regular walking, swimming, yoga for pregnant women.
• Refusal to drink tea, coffee, cocoa, seasonings and spices.
• Correction of the psycho-emotional background: avoidance of stressful situations, psychotherapy.

Lead tactics

Functional extrasystole does not interfere with the normal course of pregnancy and gestation. We usually do not identify any contraindications to natural delivery. A woman can give birth to a healthy baby at term and avoid complications.

Extrasystole associated with organic damage to the heart or other organs, endocrine disorders and other conditions requires mandatory observation by a specialist. The management tactics for a woman will depend on the severity of the underlying disease.

All pregnant patients, regardless of the severity and form of extrasystole, are under the supervision of a therapist and cardiologist until delivery. If the condition of the woman and fetus is stable, a control examination (ECG) is carried out before birth. If the patient's condition worsens or complications of gestation develop, additional examination is indicated.

Indications for caesarean section for extrasystole are rare. They are usually associated with concomitant pathology or complications of pregnancy. In a planned procedure, the operation is performed at 37-39 weeks, in an emergency - at any time.

Have you encountered such a phenomenon as extrasystole during pregnancy? What did the doctor recommend to you in this situation?

Source: //cardiograf.com/ritm/nesvoevremenno/ehkstrasistoliya-pri-beremennosti.html

How to prevent disease

Some women do not feel any signs of extrasystole throughout their entire pregnancy, but others have a hard time with this disease. They are accompanied by unpleasant symptoms for 9 months, which have a detrimental effect on the unborn child.

Important!

In 95% of cases, no special measures are taken during childbirth. The whole process takes place naturally. Surgical delivery is recommended only if many dangerous extrasystoles appear.

Avoiding the pathological process and protecting the fetus from possible problems is the responsibility of every pregnant woman. To do this, you need to regularly visit the doctor, follow all his recommendations and take prescribed medications. This is the only way to achieve good results and give birth to a healthy child.

Description of the disease

Extrasystoles are called extraordinary contractions of the myocardium that disrupt its normal beating rhythm. It is considered normal for a healthy person if up to 200 extrasystoles occur in the heart per day. During pregnancy, doctors say that a similar picture is observed in almost every case. This problem is typical for 50% of women, but it does not negatively affect the bearing of a child. However, if the threshold of 200 extraordinary contractions is exceeded or in the presence of heart pathology, the disease can be dangerous.

Treatment

Half of pregnant women face the same problem - heart rhythm disturbances. In the early stages of development, extrasystole can be eliminated using conventional preventive methods. However, in a more advanced state, the disease must be treated with medication. This is a rather complicated process, since it is necessary to maintain the woman’s health and not harm the unborn baby.

Doctors approach the treatment of pregnant women very carefully. To eliminate the symptoms that provoke heart rhythm disturbances, natural medications are prescribed. As a rule, preference is given to sedative drugs. The main active ingredients are:

• valerian root;
• mint;
• Melissa.

Important!

Natural medicines have a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. However, they should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. By following all the recommendations, the woman will normalize her condition and be able to give birth naturally.

In critical cases, when the life of a woman and her unborn child is at risk, doctors prescribe medications. They contain potassium and other pharmacological substances. Such medications can have a harmful effect on the fetus, so they are recommended only when absolutely necessary. As a rule, doctors choose the blockers “Verapamil” or “Novocainamide”.

Advice for expectant mothers

Extrasystole can be avoided during pregnancy. To do this, you need to follow simple rules that will help a woman feel much better.

To prevent heart rhythm disturbances and return your health to normal, doctors recommend following simple recommendations throughout pregnancy:

1. Lead a healthy lifestyle. For 9 months it is necessary to completely eliminate the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and coffee. All this puts a lot of stress on the heart, which can cause serious problems.
2. Try to reduce stressful situations. Strong excitement disrupts the full functioning of the autonomic system, which stimulates the development of extrasystole. A woman needs to be less nervous and not get irritated over trifles.
3. Spend a lot of time outdoors. This rule will help increase the overall tone of the body and make it more resistant to external irritants.

1. Provide a varied and healthy diet. The diet should be rich in vitamins, potassium, calcium and other beneficial substances. It is important to completely avoid fast food.
2. Do light exercise. Pregnant women should do exercises that were developed by specialists specifically for pregnant women. In case of heart rhythm disturbances, breathing exercises are useful.

These simple recommendations will help not only avoid the development of extrasystole, but also overcome the disease at the initial stage of development.

Treatment with folk remedies

Drug treatment for heart rhythm disturbances is prescribed only in extreme cases. You can eliminate unpleasant symptoms using traditional methods. They will not harm the unborn baby, but will significantly improve the woman’s general condition.

Valerian root decoction

To prepare the medicine you need to take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of crushed valerian. Pour 150 ml of water into it and boil over low heat for 10 - 15 minutes. Leave the broth to cool. Then strain and take 1 tbsp before meals. spoon.

Melissa infusion

To prepare an infusion, lemon balm can be used dry or fresh. The medicine is prepared in the following proportion: 1 tbsp. Take a spoonful of the plant and add 500 ml of boiling water. Place all components in a thermos and leave until completely cool. When the infusion is ready, take 100 ml three times a day.

Radish with honey

To obtain the medicine, take a large black radish. The root vegetable is cleaned and finely chopped. Add honey to it in a 1:1 ratio, mix well and place in a dark place. After a day, the radish juice and honey will combine, and the medicine will be ready for use. Take it 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day.

Possible complications and prognosis

Extrasystole is dangerous because if the problem is not dealt with, it can develop into more serious diseases. As a rule, pathology provokes the development of:

• ventricular tachycardia;
• atrial fibrillation;
• atrial flutter.

Extrasystole of the heart and pregnancy are quite common occurrences. If the disease is prolonged and the woman experiences constant symptoms, then chronic circulatory failure often develops. This can provoke serious consequences - hypoxia, which is very dangerous for the life of the fetus.

Typically, the prognosis for a diagnosis of “extrasystole” is quite favorable. However, for this, a woman must regularly visit a doctor, follow his recommendations and take the necessary treatment. In addition, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat right.

Pregnant women should remember that in case of any heart rhythm disturbances, they should not self-medicate. It is important to immediately consult a doctor to determine an accurate diagnosis and receive qualified recommendations. The girl’s well-being and the health of the unborn baby depend on this.

Prevention

1. Regular visits for routine inspections and strict implementation of all recommendations.
2. Proper nutrition and maintaining optimal weight, without exceeding BMI.
3. Taking vitamins, especially potassium and magnesium.
4. Good sleep, rest, lack of stress.
5. Daily walks.

During pregnancy, it is important to monitor your own condition, visit a doctor and take the necessary tests on time. It must be remembered that the life and health of the child depend entirely on the expectant mother.

In order to prevent the development of extrasystole during pregnancy, adhere to the following preventive measures:

1. Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, even in small doses. This not only harms the condition of the fetus, but also negatively affects the functionality of the heart muscles.
2. Avoid stressful situations, learn to react to them more restrained and calm. If you cannot cope with this problem on your own, contact a psychologist.
3. Spend more time outdoors by walking.
4. Eat in accordance with the norms of proper and healthy nutrition.
5. All citrus fruits, persimmons and dried apricots are very beneficial for the heart.

To prevent extrasystole, you need to carefully monitor your condition, especially those prone to cardiac pathologies. It is also important to conduct a routine examination by a therapist with listening to the heart and a routine ECG.

Basically, extrasystole does not cause significant problems in patients, however, in some cases, pregnant women tolerate this type of cardiac pathology very poorly.

Against the background of a feeling of “fading,” the heart often develops attacks of panic, fear, and the desire to get rid of the attacks once and for all.

In case of severe extrasystole, the best way to prevent it is to visit a doctor in a timely manner and carefully follow all his recommendations.

Extrasystole during menopause occurs due to changes in a woman’s hormonal background.

Read here what ventricular extrasystole is like bigeminy.

How to recognize extrasystole on an ECG - read the link.

Pregnant patients with any course of pathology should remember that under no circumstances should they use heart medications without first consulting a doctor, as this can lead to unpredictable consequences for the course of pregnancy.

Arm yourself with knowledge and read a useful informative article about the disease of extrasystole during pregnancy. After all, being parents means studying everything that will help maintain a degree of health in the family on the island.

Find out what can cause extrasystole during pregnancy and how to recognize it in a timely manner. Find information about the signs that can help you identify illness. And what tests will help identify the disease and make a correct diagnosis.

In the article you will read everything about methods of treating a disease such as extrasystole during pregnancy. Find out what effective first aid should be. How to treat: choose medications or traditional methods?

You will also learn how untimely treatment of extrasystole during pregnancy can be dangerous, and why it is so important to avoid the consequences. All about how to prevent extrasystole during pregnancy and prevent complications. Be healthy!