Syndrome shortened PQ: causes, symptoms, treatment

The shortened PQ syndrome is one of a whole galaxy of manifestations of cardiac arrhythmias. He rarely is an independent pathology. Mainly in the case histories appears as a complication of the underlying disease and is one of the frequent causes of sudden death.

History and classification

The syndrome of the shortened PQ was described by physicians in the middle of the twentieth century. The study was based on an analysis of only two hundred cases of the disease, selected from the whole mass of cardiac patients. Then there were no organic changes in the heart that would cause this syndrome.

In adults, shortening the PQ interval means that its duration is reduced by less than 0.12 seconds. Scientists associate this with the abnormal arrangement of nerve fibers in the conducting system of the organ. In clinical practice, two syndromes are distinguished:

1. Wolff-Parkinson-White. It is caused by the presence in the myocardium of the pathological bundle of Kent, which connects the atrium and the ventricle, without going into the atrioventricular node.
2. Clerk-Levi-Cristesco (CLC). Caused by the anomalous arrangement of the beam of James. It is located between the sinoatrial and the atrioventricular node.

Causes and pathogenesis

Indirect conductivity paths can be in the "sleeping mode" for many years. Therefore, the syndrome of truncated PQ appears, as a rule, against the background of another pathology. And in the absence of uncomfortable symptoms it is sometimes considered as a variant of the norm.

The electrical impulses in the altered heart simultaneously pass both along the main system and along additional paths. At the level of the septum between the atria and the ventricles, conduction slows down, which is not found in abnormal fiber bundles. This causes a reduction in the individual area of the ventricle before the impulse spreads throughout the myocardium. So there are ventricular arrhythmias.

Symptoms

If the shortened PQ syndrome is considered pathological, the patient experiences attacks of rapid heartbeats that last from ten to twenty seconds. They pass independently and do not require medical intervention. Most often, such paroxysms are associated with stress, overwork, excessive physical exertion. But, as a rule, the reason remains unknown.

The sudden increase in cardiac contractions can cause panic attacks, discomfort in the chest area, pallor and sweating in patients. But sometimes patients do not even suspect that they have a pathology from the heart. The PQ interval on the cardiogram is counted from the beginning of the P wave and to the start of the Q wave. Normally this value ranges from one hundred twenty to two hundred milliseconds.

Treatment

The shortened interval PQ, which is detected against the background of normal heart rhythm, does not cause the patient any serious complaints, does not need treatment and is considered as a variant of an individual physiological norm. The doctor can alert the presence of paroxysmal tachycardia (or other arrhythmias), inflammation of the myocardium or infarction, which require an additional comprehensive examination and medical correction.

From instrumental methods, modern medicine can offer radiofrequency catheter ablation or cryoablation. This makes it possible to isolate areas that generate additional action potentials, thereby reducing their effect on the heart rate. The choice of method depends on the reason that caused the shortening of PQ. In addition to eliminating symptoms, the cardiologist will prescribe the treatment and the underlying disease. This will avoid complications in the future and prolong the effect of ablation.

Prevention

Patients with CLC syndrome, as a rule, do not need specific preventive measures. Especially if before that he did not show himself. But in case of uncomfortable sensations, such as pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, it is necessary to consult a local therapist. There are general methods of preventing all diseases of the cardiovascular system:

• Changing the way of life to a more active one;
• Weight loss;
• Rational diet;
• Rejection of bad habits: smoking and drinking alcohol;
• Reducing the use of table salt;
• Sleep at least eight hours a day.

It is not necessary, probably, to remind that it is necessary to reduce the number of stressful situations and increase the time of walking outdoors.

Forecast

The prognosis for this disease, as a rule, is favorable, especially with asymptomatic flow. However, people with hereditary heredity may be fatal. Exceptions are athletes and test pilots. They are included in the category of occupational risk.

If patients have complaints from the heart, then their prognosis is somewhat worse. But modern methods of treatment can reduce the risk of developing fatal complications. In any case, do not panic. It is better to consult a competent specialist who can correctly diagnose and prescribe effective treatment.