Pulse disturbance means a disturbance in the way your heart works. Heart rate disturbances can appear after exercise or in response to stress. However, heart disease is often the cause of an abnormal heart rate and can be life-threatening if left untreated. What are the causes and symptoms of a heart rate disorder? How is this ailment treated?

Pulse disturbance , otherwisearrhythmia , meanheart rhythm disturbance , i.e. its cyclical work . The rhythm of the heart is triggered by electrical impulses sent by the natural pacemaker, which is the sinus node located in the right atrium.

If the impulses are produced by other structures of the conducting system, the heart pulseis disturbed. It may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia) or irregularly.

Pulse disorder - causes

Pulse disturbances can be the body's physiological response to exercise or emotion. They can also be the result of exhaustion or the use of an inappropriate diet, especially one rich in coffee and alcohol. Other causes of an abnormal heart pulse are:

  • diseases of the heart and circulatory system (including: atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, heart defects)
  • potassium, magnesium and calcium deficiency
  • hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood)
  • hypernatremia (excess sodium in the blood)
  • vagotonia (overactivity of the vagus nerve)
  • hyperthyroidism
  • menopause
  • fever

Pulse disturbances may also appear after an overdose of certain medications (including beta-blockers, cardiac glycosides).

Pulse disorder - symptoms

Tachycardia (tachycardia)is a condition in which the heart accelerates to over 100 beats per minute, manifested by:

  • feeling of pounding heart
  • with breaks in his work
  • heart flutter
  • shortness of breath
  • weakening
  • dizzy

Ventricular and atrial fibrillation - the most serious arrhythmias

A type of tachycardia that is dangerous to life is ventricular fibrillation and atrial fibrillation. This is the most serious disturbance of the heart rhythm and is associated with an increased risk of stroke,heart failure and death.

Bradycardia (bradycardia)is a condition in which the heart beats more slowly than 50-60 times per minute. Then, central nervous system hypoxia occurs, which manifests itself as:

  • excessive fatigue
  • weakening
  • with spots in front of eyes
  • dizzy
  • feeling of pounding heart
  • loss of consciousness
  • fainting

In most cases, however, bradycardia does not cause any symptoms.

Important

Too slow heart rate can also be a life-threatening condition

A large slowdown in heart rate can lead to asystole (cardiac arrest). In turn, the cessation of circulation causes hypoxia of all cells in the body, including the brain, which is the most sensitive and dies the fastest. Therefore, death occurs within minutes.

Pulse disorders - diagnosis

The doctor first auscultates the patient and measures the heart rate. The next step is an electrocardiographic examination, i.e. an EKG of the heart.

If the extrasystoles are uncommon, you will need a Holter test, an electrocardiogram that monitors heart function over a 24-hour period. Your doctor may also recommend an ECHO test of the heart.

Pulse disorders - treatment

Treating heart rate disorder is causal. If the cause of the abnormal heartbeat cannot be eliminated, the doctor may consider implanting the patient with a pacemaker.

Category:

Cardiology