Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat): symptoms and diagnosis

The rhythm of the heart is a very important hemodynamic parameter. This organ is designed in such a way that its contractions are regulated by the so-called pacemaker - the sinus node. In pathology, other structures of the heart muscle can take on this role.

In such situations, uneven heartbeat appears, the causes of which are very diverse. It may be accompanied by clinical symptoms, or it may be completely asymptomatic. In any case, it is important to determine the cause and adequately approach its correction.

Major violations

Some people may feel an uneven pulse with a delay or, conversely, an accelerated heartbeat. Why does such a deviation occur and why is it so important to pay attention to it? The fact is that the normal functioning of all organs and tissues of the human body depends on the correctness of heart contractions, which should be rhythmic.

Pacemaker cells are responsible for maintaining this process at the proper level. They produce an electrical impulse that has a constant frequency. The excitation wave occurs in the sinus and atrioventricular nodes, and then is transmitted along the conductive paths (bundle of His) to the corresponding parts of the heart. The muscles contract.

An irregular pulse is called arrhythmia. This deviation is associated with a violation of the conduction or formation of the excitation wave. A heart rate of 60-90 beats per minute is considered normal when the body is not subjected to significant physical stress. Heart beats should occur at equal intervals. There are three main heart rhythm disturbances:

• Tachycardia. Pulse is frequent.
• Bradycardia. The contraction frequency is slow.
• Extrasystole. Additional contractions occur against the background of a normal rhythm.

Rhythm disturbances may occur from time to time (called paroxysms). Sometimes they are asymptomatic and quickly lead to a deterioration in the patient’s condition. In some cases, such violations result in death. If such a condition is not a consequence of heart pathology, then it responds well to treatment. If myocardial damage is present, the disease becomes chronic and requires constant therapy.

Fast beat with tachycardia

The main reason why the human heart beats faster is tachycardia.

Tachycardia is not necessarily a disease, it is simply a condition in which a person’s heart begins to beat rapidly. Instead of 60-80 beats per minute, which is normal for an adult, there is an increase to 90-100 (and for athletes - from 40 to 80).

Tachycardia has two types, and only one of them is dangerous to health.

The first type of tachycardia is sinus. It occurs after increased stress, with constant stress, short-term excitement. The sinus type can manifest itself during infectious diseases with an increase in body temperature, because with each degree of a person’s temperature, 10 heartbeats per minute are added.

To get rid of the unpleasant sensations and rhythm disturbances associated with it, it is enough to remove the cause of tachycardia. This is easy to do in a calm state. Infrequent attacks of sinus tachycardia should not last more than a few minutes and are accompanied by a beat frequency of no more than 150 beats per minute.

If you experience a faster pulse during heart palpitations, you should immediately consult a specialist. Sinus tachycardia can rarely be caused by serious diseases such as heart failure.

The second type of tachycardia is paroxysmal. With it, the heart beats suddenly, the outbreaks have no apparent reason.

A cardinal difference from sinus is immediately noticeable: the beats are from 140 to 220 per minute, the head becomes very dizzy, and the person very often loses consciousness. This type is also divided into two subtypes, and depending on which one is found in the patient, he undergoes a short-term or long-term course of treatment.

Paroxysmal tachycardia can be atrial or ventricular. The atrial variety is caused by bad habits, sleep disturbances, and an improper, polluted environment. After undergoing therapy, it is quite easy to reduce the risk of recurrent attacks.

Ventricular paroxysmal tachycardia is much more serious. With it, the heart begins to beat rapidly due to a number of harmful, sometimes fatal diseases. To find out the exact cause, patients with a heart rate of 140-220 are required to undergo cardiography.

Tachycardia

An uneven heart pulse may be a consequence of tachycardia. This pathology has several varieties:

• paroxysmal (there are periods when the pulse becomes normal);
• recurrent (interruptions in heart function are repeated);
• atrial fibrillation (occurs in people over 25 years of age, more often in old age);
• atrial flutter (people in old age are susceptible);
• ventricular (caused by cardiac factors, often coronary heart disease).

In 80% of cases, this pathology is explained by age-related changes. Focal or automatic tachycardias are explained by metabolic disorders. Because of this, the excitability of the pathways increases. Any impulses under such conditions cause muscle contraction. This type of tachycardia occurs in 10% of cases. In this case, an uneven pulse may appear in a child 10 years old or even younger. Treatment usually gives good results.

Possible consequences

When the heart beats at an excessively fast pace, but this is not associated with anxiety, stress, fever or just undergone physical activity, the condition cannot be ignored. Heart diseases that are behind tachycardia are progressive and can lead to serious consequences:

• myocardial infarction (death of part of the heart muscle);
• acute heart failure (acute cardiac dysfunction);
• thromboembolism (blockage with a blood clot) of the pulmonary artery;
• cardiac arrest and sudden death;
• cardiogenic shock - acute left ventricular failure with a collapse in blood pressure and a sharp decrease in myocardial contractility.

Cardiogenic shock in 90% of cases leads to a fatal attack.

Figure 4. Definition of cardiogenic shock.

Other consequences of an uneven or rapid heart rate are also dangerous - with prolonged acceleration of the heart rate, the risk of stroke and blood clots increases, which can also cause death. This is why it is important to promptly pay attention to an accelerated heart rate.

During an attack of tachycardia, it is necessary to calm the heartbeat and take measures to prevent such situations in the future.

Causes and symptoms of tachycardia

Trigger tachyarrhythmia is caused by an electrical impulse that exceeds the normal level.

The causes of tachycardia may be as follows:

• Transformation of muscle into connective tissue (myopathy).
• Chamber hypertrophy, cor pulmonale.
• Neoplasms that affect the heart.
• Intoxication (alcohol, nicotine, coffee).
• Kidney failure.
• Stimulants affecting the sympathetic nervous system.

In this case, a number of characteristic symptoms arise. The heart may beat intermittently, skipping beats. An increased shock may occur. The rhythm quickens and becomes uneven. During normal activities, a person feels tired. Breathing becomes more frequent, and a feeling of lack of air appears (especially during physical activity).

Patients also complain of darkening of the eyes and dizziness. Fainting is possible. The pressure becomes unstable and tends to decrease. There may be pain in the heart area. With severe complications, symptoms of cardiovascular failure appear. There is a risk of cardiac arrest.

Irregular pulse as a result of tachycardia

If an uneven pulse is a consequence of the development of tachycardia, then the doctor must first diagnose the specific form of such a disorder:

• paroxysmal - periodically the pulse becomes absolutely even;
• ventricular – most often provoked by heart pathologies (for example, coronary disease);
• recurrent - problems with the pulse recur with clear frequency;
• atrial flutter – typical for people in old and especially senile age;
• Atrial fibrillation – occurs over the age of 25 years.

According to statistics, 80% of cases of diagnosing tachycardia are associated with the aging of the body, in 10% the provoking factor is a metabolic disorder, and in the latter case, an uneven pulse can be detected even in a 10-year-old child. But the main causes of tachycardia are:

• myopathy is a pathology associated with the transformation of muscle tissue into connective tissue;
• renal failure - especially if it is severe;
• “pulmonary heart” - hypertrophy of the organ chambers;
• tumors localized near or directly in the heart of a malignant/benign nature.

A provoking factor may be the consumption of alcoholic beverages, coffee, smoking, as well as the use of medications that stimulate the central nervous system.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of tachycardia:

• the heart beats intermittently - “beats are missed”;
• heart rate increases significantly and becomes uneven and unstable;
• fatigue comes even in the absence of physical activity;
• breathing becomes more frequent – ​​sometimes there is shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air.

If these signs do not prompt a visit to the doctor, then the person’s condition will worsen and he may be bothered by:

• periodic darkening of the eyes;
• regular dizziness;
• short-term fainting;
• lowering blood pressure.

Particularly severe cases are accompanied by severe symptoms of heart failure, and cardiac arrest is possible.

Treatment

Treatment of tachycardia begins with diagnosis: the patient’s hormonal background is necessarily checked, and examinations are carried out to identify heart pathologies. Based on the results of diagnostic measures, therapeutic treatment is prescribed: medication (sedatives/sedatives, vaso-strengthening or aimed at treating the underlying disease), dietary correction, giving up bad habits, physical therapy.

Extrasystole

An uneven pulse intermittently may occur due to extrasystole. It develops for the same reasons as tachycardia. Often this pathology provokes a paroxysm of tachyarrhythmia. But more often this pathology does not have pronounced symptoms.

One of the first signs of extrasystole is an uneven pulse with a delay and interruptions in heart function. The patient may feel an increased heart rate and stop, the rhythm will freeze. This can be really scary. This situation requires immediate contact with a cardiologist or therapist.

If the patient has heart failure, the course of this disease worsens. The risk of death increases significantly. In healthy people, isolated cases of extrasystoles may occur. This situation does not require correction. But if such symptoms occur periodically, proper treatment is needed.

If the extrasystole is explained by damage to the heart muscle, the doctor prescribes beta blockers and ablation of high-frequency foci of extrasystole.

Causes of abnormal heartbeat

The nature of the heartbeat can suggest the presence of certain diseases. Typically, if the heart begins to beat erratically, the doctor may suspect atrial fibrillation .

heart failure may occur .

With anemia, the feeling of palpitations is accompanied by drowsiness, weakness, and dizziness. If a hypertensive crisis , then the heartbeat is uneven, there is a feeling of lethargy, noise in the head, and headaches.

If the heartbeats are infrequent but strong, this may indicate bradycardia .

Palpitations that are felt very often, almost constantly, indicate heart disease. In addition, rapid heartbeat can be a symptom of vegetative-vascular dystonia , as well as thyroid disorders.

Bradycardia

Patients may complain of an irregular pulse, as if the heart is stopping, with bradycardia. In this case, the heart rate does not exceed 60 beats per minute. Medical intervention is indicated in case of ventricular-type bradyarrhythmia. This disease is explained by abnormal impulse activity of the sinus node.

This disease is more common in older people. In the early stages there are virtually no symptoms. Only when the heart rate drops below 40 beats per minute does a person feel tired, as well as a number of other symptoms. Treatment in this case improves well-being, but it is not always possible to prolong the patient’s life. The course of the disease is progressive.

Atrioventricular blocks may also occur. The process of conducting the excitation wave is disrupted. If the blockade reaches 2-3 degrees of severity, there is a risk of cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of bradycardia are a decrease in heart rate, interruptions in its work and a feeling of stopping. Weakness becomes pronounced and gradually increases. A person cannot perform even the most ordinary tasks. Blood pressure changes. There are episodes of its increase that cannot be treated.

Consciousness is impaired to the point of deep fainting, chest pain occurs. They are not associated with physical activity. This disease often manifests itself as an uneven resting pulse. Treatment depends on the stage and presence of clinical signs of bradyarrhythmia.

What are the dangers of heart block and bradycardia?

Heart rhythm disturbances may occur when using beta blockers

There are different types of arrhythmias. They are associated either with conduction disturbances (blockades) or, in fact, with rhythm disturbances. The latter include tachycardia, bradycardia, and fibrillation.

Heart blocks complicate some types of heart attacks. This applies to a more mature patient population.

At the same time, in younger patients, iatrogenic rhythm and conduction disturbances are possible. This happens when beta blockers or other antiarrhythmic drugs that slow down heart contractions are prescribed.

In young people, especially those involved in sports, functional blockades are possible. But they should be treated with extreme caution.

With atrioventricular block of the 2nd and 3rd degrees, the heart rhythm is significantly reduced. In this case, hemodynamics suffer completely. Cardiac output, stroke volume and ejection fraction fall. As a result, the blood supply to vital structures suffers.

Brain hypoxia develops. The patient may lose consciousness. With long pauses, prolonged collapse, coma, and sometimes fatal outcome are possible. The older the patient, the greater the risk of sudden cardiac death from the block.

A similar mechanism for the development of clinical signs is observed in other bradycardias. But here, typical Morgagni-Adams-Stokes attacks and loss of consciousness are less common. Therefore, prognostically, these are more favorable options for uneven heartbeat.

Common causes of pathology

Help for an irregular pulse intermittently in older people or young people depends on many factors. First of all, the doctor must establish the cause of the development of this condition. The most common of them are:

• the patient drinks a lot of coffee or energy drinks;
• low blood sugar;
• lack of potassium;
• pathologies of the heart muscle;
• psychological problems.

One of the common causes of uneven heart rate is excessive coffee consumption. This drink contains caffeine, which speeds up your heart rate. This substance also increases blood pressure and makes the pulse uneven. If the heartbeat rhythm is fast, you need to at least temporarily give up coffee or reduce its amount. You should also exclude energy drinks, green tea and chocolate.

Lack of sugar can also cause uneven heartbeat. If this is the reason, you just need to eat 4-5 times a day. You need a hearty breakfast (oatmeal, buckwheat, lentils). Potassium deficiency is also a serious factor in the development of arrhythmia. This mineral helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

Proper, balanced nutrition is extremely important for proper heart function. The diet should contain foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium. An imbalance between these minerals leads to heart problems.

Causes of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)

Heart diseases

Many conditions that damage your heart can cause heart rhythm problems.

Cardiac ischemia

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the heart. This narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow. Blood clots may also develop in the arteries if you have this condition. They can then block blood flow to the heart and lead to heart attacks. Some factors that increase the risk of developing CHD include smoking, obesity (especially abdominal fat), high blood pressure, diabetes, excessive stress, lack of physical activity, depression and high cholesterol.

You may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of the condition, but eventually, symptoms associated with a heart attack such as shortness of breath, nausea, loss of consciousness, sweating, chest pressure, chest pain, neck pain, arm pain, or jaw pain may also occur. feel an irregular or rapid heartbeat. 2

Heart attack

You are at risk of developing an irregular heartbeat if your heart tissue has been damaged by a previous heart attack. Meanwhile, an ongoing heart attack is the most common cause of the most dangerous type of arrhythmia - ventricular fibrillation. The lower chambers of the heart jerk uncontrollably in this condition, and this can lead to sudden collapse or loss of consciousness.

Symptoms such as chest pain, nausea, dizziness, irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath may occur anywhere from a few minutes to an hour before the affected person collapses. Get emergency medical help if you see this happening. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by performing chest compressions at m > 3 4

Heart valve disease

Your heart has four valves, one of which is located at the outlet of each of the four chambers of the heart. They help regulate the flow of blood through the chambers and close after blood enters the chamber to prevent it from leaking back. The heart has four valves, each located at the outlet of one of the four chambers of the heart.

As the heartbeat pushes blood through the heart, the valves close after the blood has entered the chamber to prevent it from leaking back. But if you have heart valve disease, the valve may not open or close properly. This may be a congenital condition or may be due to normal wear and tear. Conditions such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, a previous heart attack, or cardiomyopathy, which can cause thickening or scarring of heart tissue, can also contribute to heart valve problems. Infections such as endocarditis, which affects the lining of the heart, or rheumatism, can also damage the valves.

In some cases, you may not experience any symptoms of heart disease, but you may hear a heart murmur when using a stethoscope. Symptoms, when they occur, may include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, especially when lying down or exercising, dizziness, weakness, and swelling of the ankles, feet, or abdomen in addition to a rapid heartbeat.

Keep in mind, however, that the severity of symptoms is not related to the severity of the condition, and some people who experience only mild symptoms may require urgent treatment to prevent heart damage. 5

Congenital heart defect

Congenital heart disease is a structural problem in the heart that is present at birth. This may include the valves or walls of the heart or the arteries and veins near it. Some defects may be minor and not cause any problems, while others may cause blood flow to slow, move to the wrong place or in the wrong direction, or become completely blocked. Some genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are associated with congenital heart defects. Meanwhile, conditions such as rubella or uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy, as well as the use of certain prescription drugs, can lead to congenital heart defects in children.

Some additional common symptoms of congenital heart defects in adults include fatigue, shortness of breath, especially with exertion, a heart murmur, swelling in the extremities, and a blue tint to the skin, lips, or nails. 6

cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the muscles of the heart. The heart muscles may stretch and become too thin, too thick or too stiff, or replaced by fatty or scar tissue. This can lead to arrhythmias, as well as blood clots, heart failure or heart attacks. And many factors such as coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, chronic high blood pressure, bacterial or viral heart infections, excessive alcohol consumption, use of drugs such as cocaine, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy-related complications, etc. D., can cause his condition.

You may not experience any symptoms initially if you have cardiomyopathy. As the condition worsens, you can expect to experience symptoms such as irregular heart rhythm, as well as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, arms, or abdomen. 7

High blood pressure

High blood pressure, increased pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart, can cause the heart to beat irregularly. Systolic pressure (the pressure exerted when your heart beats) greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg. Art., and/or diastolic pressure (the pressure exerted when your heart is resting between beats) greater than or equal to 90 mmHg. Art. is high blood pressure. High blood pressure can affect various parts of your body, including the heart, brain and kidney, and can even lead to a heart attack or stroke.

High blood pressure is usually caused by narrowing of the arteries. Factors such as being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, eating too much salt, stress and lack of physical activity can increase your risk of high blood pressure. Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, and hormonal disorders, can also cause high blood pressure.

In most cases, high blood pressure does not cause any symptoms, which is why it is called the “silent killer.” In severe cases, you may experience symptoms such as severe headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, vomiting and vision problems. , 8

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are abnormally high. This occurs because your body cannot produce enough insulin or use it effectively to stimulate glucose uptake. High blood sugar levels over time can increase fatty deposits on artery walls, causing narrowing of the arteries and eventually the development of CAD. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity or increased waist circumference, obstructive sleep apnea, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc. may increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Diabetes can cause symptoms such as excessive thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, frequent urination, unusual hunger, and weight loss. However, sometimes you may not experience any symptoms. 9 10

Genetic disorders

Some genetic disorders can cause your heart to have an abnormal rhythm.

Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

This is a rare genetic disorder in which the proteins that regulate calcium release in your heart don't function properly. This can cause calcium levels in your heart to rise, leading to electrical signaling problems. The most common symptoms of this condition are palpitations, dizziness and blackouts. They can be caused by intense emotions or even exercise. eleven

Brugada syndrome

Brugada syndrome is another genetic disorder that affects the heart's electrical system. This can make your heart beat very fast. Many people with this condition do not experience any symptoms, but you may still see symptoms such as palpitations, seizures, blackouts, chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms can sometimes be caused by drinking too much alcohol, dehydration, or a high fever. 12

Long QT syndrome

This is a genetic condition in which the heart muscle takes extra time to recharge between beats. This condition can cause chaotic rap >13

Short QT syndrome

In people with short QT syndrome, the heart muscle recharges in a shorter time than normal between beats. This can cause symptoms such as fainting and dizziness and lead to cardiac arrest. 14

If you have a family member who has suffered sudden cardiac death, this is good>15

Thyroid diseases

Both hyperthyroidism, when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid, and hypothyroidism, when your thyroid levels are too low, can lead to arrhythmia. Many conditions can lead to hyperthyroidism. These include Graves' disease, ovarian or testicular tumors, non-cancerous growths in the pituitary gland or thyroid gland, and inflammation of the thyroid gland after pregnancy. Infection and certain medications such as lithium and interferon alpha may also be a cause.

Some common symptoms of this condition are rapid heartbeat, fatigue, trouble concentrating, noticeably enlarged thyroid gland >16

Meanwhile hypothyro>17

Consuming excessive alcohol can lead to irregular heartbeat. Limit your intake to one or two drinks per day if you are a man and one drink per day if you are a woman. Beverage means 4 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1/5 ounce of hard liquor. 18

Caffeine

Excessive caffeine consumption can cause your heart to beat irregularly. It is not recommended to consume more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. Pregnant women should avoid >19

Smoking can damage your heart and cause irregular heart rhythms.

Medicines and supplements

Many medications, including those used to treat heart problems, blood pressure, depression and psychosis, can cause irregular heart rhythms. Certain dietary supplements and recreational drugs may do this. Your doctor will be able to tell you if any medication or supplement you are taking is >20

Stress doesn't just affect your mind, it can cause physical problems such as arrhythmia. In fact, you would notice that you experience symptoms such as tense muscles, increased heart rate, or sweating when you are stressed. These effects usually go away when the problem causing you stress is resolved. However, a constant state of stress can be harmful and can cause headaches, dizziness, muscle pain, sleep problems and fatigue. Regular exercise, healthy eating, enough sleep. Taking a break, mindfulness meditation, and calming breathing exercises can be helpful if you're struggling with stress. 21

Other reasons

An uneven pulse can be a consequence of other reasons. Psychological problems often affect the functioning of the heart. Stress and anxiety have a significant impact on the cardiovascular system. At a moment of danger, tension, the body goes into a special mode. Forces are concentrated to perform quick actions. Because of this, the heart begins to work more actively. If stress is constant, the body works in overload mode for a long time. He spends energy on this, depleting existing reserves of resources.

As a result, the heart begins to work incorrectly. It may freeze, beat faster or beat violently. The rhythm is also disrupted. In this case, the patient is prescribed a course of sedatives, often of natural origin (for example, tincture of valerian or motherwort). The attending physician also prescribes a course of medications to normalize heart rhythm.

Pathologies of the heart muscle can cause an uneven pulse. What to do in this case? Treatment is prescribed by a cardiologist after the patient undergoes appropriate diagnostic procedures. You will need to do an ultrasound of the heart and an ECG. In some cases, surgical treatment may be indicated.

Depending on the reasons that caused the heart rhythm disturbances, treatment may be prescribed. But in some cases, special therapy is not required. The patient is advised to normalize his work and rest schedule, as well as to start eating properly and nutritiously. It is worth remembering that self-medication in the event of heart rhythm disturbances can be life-threatening. This is a symptom of other pathologies that can be very serious. Therefore, it cannot be ignored.

Treatment of heart failure

Non-drug approaches to the treatment of rhythm disturbances have not been developed. But the range of antiarrhythmic drugs is quite wide.

In the presence of arrhythmia against the background of an unchanged heart structure, according to ECHO-CS, any means can be used. This could be Propanorm, Allapinin, Sotalol, Sotalex or Betaloc. But in the presence of a defect, angina pectoris, or previous heart attack, the choice is limited to Cordarone or Amiodarone.

Tachyarrhythmias are accompanied by an increased risk of blood clots in the cavities of the heart. Therefore, for atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal forms of tachycardia, anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents are used. Usually the choice is made in favor of Warfarin. An alternative is Aspirin with Clopidogrel or new oral anticoagulants (Apixaban, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban).

Atrioventricular blocks with Morgagni-Adams-Stokes attacks involve the implantation of an artificial pacemaker - a pacemaker. Serious preparation is required before surgery.

How to cope with interruptions before the ambulance arrives?

You can slow your heart rate by putting your face in cold water.

Reflexively, you can try to slow down the heart rate. To do this, you can lower your head face into cold water. The frequency is somewhat reduced if supraventricular tachycardia occurs.

The second technique is the Danini-Aschner method. The patient can apply light pressure to the eyeballs covered by the eyelids.

A more dangerous method is pressing on the area of ​​the carotid arteries. This is the carotid sinus zone - a powerful reflexogenic zone. Sometimes it can cause a serious slowing of the heart rate.

What pathologies need to be excluded?

A symptom of other pathologies is an uneven pulse with a delay. What to do in this case? We need to find the reason that led to the rhythm failure. In addition to external factors affecting the body, these may be internal reasons:

• Osteochondrosis. If this disease develops in the cervicothoracic spine, it can affect the rate and rhythm of the heart. This pathology is often observed in experienced office workers. They spend a lot of time sitting at the table. Because of this, they have problems with the spine.
• Thyroid diseases. If there is a decrease in thyroid function, the heart rate decreases. If this gland, on the contrary, is characterized by hyperfunction, the pulse quickens. Serious problems in the functioning of the heart may occur, including atrial fibrillation.
• Liver and kidney diseases. Due to such a violation, insufficient quality of blood purification occurs. Therefore, any diseases of these organs can lead to arrhythmia.

If the reason for the malfunction of the heart is a malfunction of the internal systems of the body, these negative tendencies are first eliminated. Only after this can we expect an improvement in the patient's condition.

Second reason: anemia

Anemia is a lack of iron in the blood. Iron is responsible for the proper functioning of the heart and maintaining the strong condition of blood vessels. Its deficiency leads to general weakness of the body, arrhythmia and other disturbances in heart rhythms.

Anemia can be caused by the following reasons:

1. great blood loss. Iron is contained in the blood, and by losing it, a person loses a significant part of this useful element;
2. heavy menstruation. The principle is the same: with the loss of blood comes the loss of the element. If menstruation begins to increase sharply, you cannot wait for an attack, you need to immediately call a doctor;
3. period of bearing a child. The body of the expectant mother may not immediately adapt to the redistributed blood supply;
4. peptic ulcers accompanied by frequent hemorrhages;
5. weak, periodically bursting vessels;
6. haemorrhoids.

What to do in this situation?

The lack of iron can be compensated for with special preparations, as well as foods containing it: hematogens, pomegranates, chocolate. A complete list of necessary products is prescribed by the doctor.

Please note: for severe symptoms of anemia, such as loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing and movement, it is not enough to simply consult a doctor. If you find such signs, then hospitalization and, first of all, elimination of blood loss are required.

Diagnostics

A fairly common problem is an uneven pulse. What to do if such a symptom occurs? First you need to see a therapist or cardiologist. He will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. The most common ways to detect cardiac pathologies are to conduct an ultrasound of the heart to identify its physical indicators and some characteristics of its work, as well as an ECG. A cardiogram allows you to examine the characteristics of your heart rhythm.

In some cases, at rest, the heart works practically without any serious deviations. But under load, the pathology becomes noticeable. In order not to miss the onset of the development of the disease, other diagnostic methods are also used.

One of the most informative approaches is Holter monitoring. The patient carries a portable device with him throughout the day. This recorder is invisible under clothing. He records a cardiogram throughout the day. The data is transferred to the computer. This allows you to accurately determine the characteristics of the heart and its rhythm. The patient keeps a diary in which he indicates in which periods he rested and in which he experienced physical activity.

What to do if your heart is beating irregularly

If your heart beats unevenly, you should consult a cardiologist.

Interruptions and arrhythmias are treated by a cardiologist or cardioarrhythmologist. But if only extrasystoles occur, then a therapist can easily cope with this problem.

If you experience unpleasant sensations such as interruptions, rapid or uneven heartbeat, you need to seek help. The sooner a diagnostic search is started, the easier it is to treat and prevent fatal consequences.

To find out the cause, the first step is to register electrocardiography. Severe types of arrhythmias are obvious, but not always. To obtain an objective picture, they resort to 24-hour rhythm monitoring. This is Holter monitoring.

The examination is then supplemented with echocardioscopy. This is a method of ultrasound imaging of the chambers and walls of the heart. It allows you to see remodeling or enlargement of cavity structures.

When heart pathology is excluded, the cause of uneven heartbeat is sought among extracardiac diseases.

In first place are diseases of the thyroid gland. To diagnose problems with this organ, an ultrasound examination is performed. If diffuse or nodular changes are detected, the patient is recommended to undergo tests for a thyroid profile, including the hormone T3, T4, TSH, as well as antibodies to the elements of the thyroid gland.

Basic treatment approaches

To get rid of a problem such as an uneven pulse, you need to follow your doctor's recommendations. Treatment is prescribed according to an individual scheme. Therapy is aimed at eliminating the main cause that caused the failure.

In addition, it is important to strengthen the heart and blood vessels. To do this, you need to do gymnastics, preferably in the fresh air. You can simply walk every day, covering at least 5 km. Be sure to add swimming to your schedule. In the summer, this can be done in a river or lake, at sea. This will strengthen the heart muscle.

The diet must include foods that contain large amounts of magnesium and potassium. Nutrition should be balanced. Be sure to eat dishes made from beef, liver, and vegetables. You need prunes, fruits and juices, nuts, cereals. Alcohol, smoking and coffee should be prohibited. You can eat dark chocolate in moderation. You can't overeat. If you are overweight, you need to get rid of it.

Avoid stress and exhausting physical work. Staying in a standing or sitting position for a long time also negatively affects your health. Therefore, take breaks during work for ten minutes of exercise. Take a contrast shower in the morning and evening. This will avoid heart problems and will also have a positive effect on the functioning of the whole body.

Prevention

To prevent heart palpitations from bothering you, it is advisable to take diet No. 10 according to Pevzner as a basis. There is no need to strictly adhere to the recommendations if no pathologies are identified, but you should still refrain from spicy and fatty foods, do not overuse black tea, dilute coffee with milk, avoid fried foods, canned foods, and pickles. You need to try to protect yourself from stress as much as possible, control your weight, and review your physical activity standards.

If attacks are frequent and accompanied by painful symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Self-medication can provoke the transition of the disease to an acute form, but the earlier the diagnosis is made, the higher the chance of cure.

Treatment

Treatment of tachycardia includes drug therapy or surgery (for conduction disorders, anatomical defects and other serious heart pathologies).

Drug therapy is complex, aimed at curing the underlying, provoking disease (including psychotic) and reducing the severity of symptoms. The latter is achieved by taking drugs from different groups:

• alpha- and beta-blockers (Anaprilin, Metoprolol, etc.);
• synthetic and herbal sedatives (Diazepam, valerian, motherwort);
• calcium channel blockers (Verapamil, Amlodipine);
• potassium and magnesium preparations (Papaverine, Asparkam).

The dosage and methods of administration should be agreed with the doctor; this is a matter of individual selection. Particular attention to medications that the patient takes to treat other diseases. Medicines that can increase heart rate should be replaced with analogues without this side effect.

In addition to taking medications, the patient is advised to observe dietary restrictions - avoid fatty, salty, too sweet foods, and alcohol.

It is necessary to give up smoking and a sedentary lifestyle. The heart needs to be trained with moderate physical activity (walking, walking - up to 2 hours a day).

First aid for an attack of tachycardia

A sick person can provide first aid if he knows what to do in case of a rapid heartbeat. The most important thing that a person with a strong heartbeat needs is rest and access to fresh air. If you experience an attack of strong heartbeat, you should open a window or window, unfasten tight items of clothing (collar, belt, etc.), lie down or sit down and relax as much as possible.

Next, you can proceed to simple first aid methods. There is a whole range of different ways to calm your pulse at home.

Medicines

It should be remembered that you should not take antiarrhythmic or other specialized medications without consulting your doctor. It is enough to drink any remedy from the group of sedatives. In your home arsenal you will probably find valerian or motherwort tablets, Corvalol or Valocardin drops. Other sedatives are also suitable - Diazepam, Novo-Passit, Barboval.

Cold water

Some people find it helpful to wash their face with cold water or apply a towel soaked in ice water to their forehead. However, this method is not suitable for everyone. If you have symptoms that indicate an approaching cardiovascular disaster, ice washing can have the opposite effect.

Washing with cold water helps with panic attacks with increased heart rate.

Gymnastics

Simple breathing exercises will help restore normal heart rhythm at home:

1. Sitting on a chair with a straight back, take a breath, slowly counting to 3.
2. Exhale while counting to 5.
3. Pause after exhaling for a count of 2.

This breathing exercise should be done by increasing the count of each breathing cycle by 1. If dizziness or other discomfort occurs, you should stop and continue the exercise with the achieved result.

When the “warm-up” is mastered, the following exercise is recommended:

1. Place your left hand behind your back.
2. Close your right nostril with your right thumb.
3. Take a deep breath through your left nostril.
4. Close your left nostril and exhale through your open right nostril.
5. Repeat the exercise 8-10 times, change hands and repeat.

Such gymnastics helps you concentrate on breathing regularly, and your heart begins to beat more evenly.

Valsalva maneuver

The technique called the Valsalva maneuver is named after the Italian anatomist Antonio Valsalva. Initially, it was intended to equalize the pressure in the internal cavities of the skull with atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, another effect of the manipulation was noticed - a decrease in heart rate, and the maneuver began to be used during attacks.

The technique for doing it is simple:

1. Take a deep breath through your nose.
2. Then close your lips tightly, pinch your nose with your fingers and exhale.

Figure 5. Technique for performing the Valsalva maneuver.
To stop an attack of rapid heartbeat, it is recommended to perform a modified variation of the Valsalva maneuver, when inhalation is done in a sitting position, and exhalation is done in a lying position with legs elevated.

Massage

Another test that can make the heart beat less intensely is carotid sinus massage. To perform it, the patient's head should be turned to the left, lightly press with two fingers on the area just below the angle under the jaw and gently massage this area for 3-5 seconds.

Figure 6. Location of the carotid sinus.

If there is no effect from massage on the right carotid sinus, you need to massage the left sinus.