An irregular (non-rhythmic) heartbeat prevents the heart muscle from working at full capacity and pumping blood efficiently. Arrhythmia in simple words is an incorrect and unstable operation of the heart. With such a disease, the organ works with periodic acceleration and deceleration, which can worsen oxygen exchange in the body. In the absence of timely treatment, the disease can provoke the formation of blood clots and have a fatal end.
Causes of arrhythmia
Unstable heartbeat in most cases is characteristic of persons with cardiovascular disease. Arrhythmia can be provoked by a heart attack or other cardiac pathology.
The most common causes of cardiac arrhythmias:
- inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis);
- myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris and atherosclerosis;
- Incomplete functioning of the heart valves;
- prolonged stress, increased anxiety;
- autoimmune diseases, etc.
There are a number of other factors that increase the risk of developing chronic arrhythmia. Timely prevention and diagnosis can get rid of pathology at an early stage and avoid surgery.
Treatment of arrhythmia
The choice of therapy for this pathology is determined by the type of arrhythmia, the cause of its occurrence, as well as the patient’s condition. Sometimes in order to stabilize the correct rhythm, it is necessary to treat the disease against which the heart disorder developed.
Depending on the manifestations of pathology, therapy with drugs or surgical intervention may be required. Treatment of arrhythmia is carried out under the control of electrocardiogram parameters.
There are several classes of agents with antiarrhythmic activity:
- Membrane stabilizers, sodium channel blockers.
- β-adrenoblockers.
- Drugs prolonging repolarization, as well as potassium channel blockers.
- Calcium channel blockers.
Surgical methods
Non-medicamentous therapy is performed using the following techniques:
- Pacemaker implantation.
- Radiofrequency catheter ablation.
- Surgical intervention.
Pacemaker implantation is used to maintain normal heart activity in case of slow heart rate and atrioventricular blockages. For the purpose of prevention, the pacemaker is implanted in patients with a predisposition to sudden onset of ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Surgical interventions on the heart are performed in case of irregular rhythm, provoked by abnormal valve structure, left ventricular aneurysm and other pathologies.
With ischemic disease, a violation of myocardial contractions is one of the signs of the disease. Treatment in this case is aimed at eliminating ischemia, which is possible by stenting the arteries of the heart.
What to do when an arrhythmia attack occurs
There are techniques for managing an attack that allow the patient to do it himself before the ambulance arrives.
When the heart rate decreases
If your heart rate is less than 50 beats per minute, the following actions can be performed to help stabilize the rhythm:
- drink a glass of sweet strong hot tea;
- exercise;
- take a warm shower or bath.
An attack of decreased heart rate sometimes masks dangerous diseases that can lead to cardiac arrest if first aid measures are not taken. If your heart rate drops sharply below 40 beats per minute, you will not be able to manage the attack on your own.
What you need to do is the following:
- lay the person on his/her back, elevate his/her legs by placing a bolster under them;
- provide fresh air, unbutton tight clothing;
- put a cotton ball soaked in ammonia to the nose;
- in case of loss of deterioration, loss of consciousness and absence of pulse, perform indirect cardiac massage.
All of these measures should be done before the doctor arrives.
When the heart beats faster
In a tachycardic attack, the heart rate may be 80 beats per minute or higher.
A heart rate of 200-220 beats is dangerous for the body. It is necessary to urgently call an ambulance.
Before the doctor arrives, you should:
- Calm the patient as much as possible if the increased pulse rate is due to anxiety;
- If the condition is caused by physical activity, stop it immediately and take a horizontal position;
- Provide the room where the patient is located with a sufficient supply of fresh air, unbutton or remove constricting areas of clothing.
If there is no effect, give the patient a sedative.
What not to do when you have an arrhythmia
When you have an arrhythmia, you can’t:
- Taking medicines without a doctor’s prescription.
- Engage in strenuous physical activity.
- Drink alcoholic beverages, strong tea and coffee.
- Eat a lot of spicy food and animal products.
- Eat before bedtime.
- Nervous.
- Do not follow the daily regimen.
Arrhythmia can be a dangerous disease leading to complications. Doctors at the Khamovniki Rehabilitation Clinic will consult on your type of pathology, conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Conclusion
Arrhythmia is a serious disease that requires careful attention and timely treatment to prevent complications. Regular diagnostics, compliance with doctor’s prescriptions and proper lifestyle help to control the disease and improve the quality of life of patients. It is important to monitor the state of health and not neglect preventive measures, and at the first signs of an attack – seek medical help. Early intervention and correct treatment will help to avoid serious consequences and normalize heart function.
