What is the ectopic atrial rhythm?

Cardiac contractions that occur automatically due to other contractions in the myocardium or in the conduction system are called the ectopic atrial rhythm. What is this, we will understand in this article.

Description of the pathology

When the sinus node is weakened or stops its work, and this happens either on an ongoing basis or at times, ectopic rhythms (or they are also called substitutive rhythms) arise.

Their frequency is less than that of sinus rhythm. The ectopic atrial rhythm can be considered non-sinus. The further is its source, the frequency of its impulses will be less. What is the reason for the changes in the heart?

The main reasons why the rhythm changes

Changes occurring in the sinus node and other conducting regions lead to a non-sinus rhythm. These deviations from the normal rhythm can be:

- Sclerotic;

- ischemic;

- inflammatory.

Classification of nonsinus rhythms

Classification of nonsinus rhythms can be different. Below are the most common forms.

- A non-rhythmic rhythm can be a supraventricular rhythm of an ectopic nature. This is due to an overdose of cardiac glycosides, as well as vegetovascular dystonia. The automatism of the ectopic focus increases, as a result, this form of non-sinus rhythm appears. Here there is a high heart rate, in contrast to accelerated and replacing ectopic rhythms.

- A non-rhythmic rhythm can also be ventricular. This indicates significant changes in the myocardium. If the frequency of ventricular contractions is too low, the probability of developing ischemic heart disease is very likely, which is fraught with serious consequences.

- In addition, the rhythm can be atrial. It often develops with rheumatism, heart defects, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease. Neurocirculatory dystonia can lead to such a rhythm. However, the ectopic atrial rhythm also occurs in perfectly healthy people. Possesses a transitory character, but can last a long time. Can develop congenital.

It is interesting that the ectopic rhythm occurs not only in adults, but also in young children. This is possible with the available additional foci of excitation, which function independently of each other. This is influenced by neuroendocrine factors and changes occurring in the myocardium.

Types of violations

Such episodes of the ectopic atrial rhythm in a child can be:

- Active, which are characterized by paroxysmal tachycardia and extrasystole.

- Accelerated (different atrial fibrillation).

Cardiac organic pathology leads in childhood to ventricular extrasystoles. This pathology can be diagnosed already in a newborn healthy child.

Viral infection can lead to an attack of paroxysmal tachycardia in young children. This type of tachycardia has a severe form, which is called a supranventicular.

Congenital heart defects, an overdose of aspirin, carditis provoke this severe form of atrial rhythm tachycardia.

An attack can happen when the child has just woken up or has dramatically changed the position of his body. The supraventicular form of paroxysmal tachycardia is very dangerous.

What signs distinguish the ectopic atrial rhythm?

As already mentioned, the underlying disease leads to non-sinus rhythms. It does not characterize any specific symptoms. The main ailments and causes of the rhythm determine the symptoms.

Below are the symptoms that should be paid close attention, then immediately consult a doctor:

- an attack of paroxysmal tachycardia begins suddenly and just as suddenly ends;

- there are no harbingers of the attack;

- there is no shortness of breath or heartache at the beginning of the attack;

- the emergence of a feeling of intense anxiety and fear;

- the appearance of motor anxiety, such that a person searches for the position of the body, which helps to stop the attack;

- a person begins to tremble hands, darkens in the eyes, dizzy;

- the appearance of intense sweating;

- presence of nausea and bloating;

- there may be a urge to urinate and empty the bowels: a person can urinate every 10-15 minutes from the onset of tachycardia, while urine is a light color, almost transparent, the urge to defecate is less frequent.

Paroxysmal tachycardia can begin when a person is sleeping. Then his heart begins to beat hard because he dreamed, for example, a dream. At the end of the attack, the heart begins to work quietly, while the person no longer feels shortness of breath.

After heart fading, there is a push, then the rhythm becomes normal sinus. Sometimes during a push there is pain. In some cases, the slowing of the heart rate occurs gradually.

Other symptoms

With a non-sinus rhythm, there are certain signs. Depending on what the possible ectopic atrial rhythm is accompanied by, they can be different:

- So, for example, with extrasystoles, the heart can work with interruptions, a person feels that his heart stops, feels heat in the throat and heart. But these symptoms may not be. Excess body weight and hypersthenic constitution often lead to vagotopic extrasystoles.

- A child's paroxysmal tachycardia attacks lead to a fainting condition, darkening of the eyes, dizziness, a feeling of tension and anxiety, pallor, cyanosis, dyspnea, pain in the abdomen. This distinguishes the ectopic atrial rhythm in children.

Methods for diagnosing ectopic rhythm

If a person has the above symptoms, he should urgently consult a therapist or cardiologist. The specialist will prescribe an ECG that will show certain changes in the work of the heart or an ectopic atrial rhythm.

The tooth R changes its configuration at the atrial rate. It does not have clear diagnostic features. The PQ interval does not change with the left atrial rhythm. Because of the usual excitation through the ventricles, the QRST complex does not change. It will be a positive PaVR and negative P in the third and second leads of aVF when the pacemaker is positioned in the left and right atriums, namely in their lower regions. The exact localization of the ectopic rhythm is not defined in cases of lower atrial rhythm.

At the right-handed rhythm will be the location of the source of automatism (P-cells) in the right atrium. This is the manifestation of the ectopic atrial rhythm in adolescents.

Children also require thorough diagnosis. When the atrial extrasystoles, the tooth of P. changes. The PQ interval is shortened, an incomplete compensatory pause and a narrow ventricular complex are observed.

Or maybe an accelerated ectopic atrial rhythm.

The extrasystole may be atrioventicular in nature, on the ECG this is reflected by the absence of a P wave before the ventricular complex. With the right ventricular extrasystole, the P tooth is routinely retracted upward (and downward with the left ventricular extrasystole).

The presence of embryocardia is characteristic of paroxysmal tachycardia. It is impossible to calculate the pulse. There is a decrease in blood pressure. The presence of a rigid rhythm and ventricular aberrant complexes. If the ECG is performed outside the attack or with a supraventical tachycardia, then a separate extrasystole can be observed, and at the time of the attack, a group extrasystole with a shortened QRS complex is fixed.

In addition to the usual ECG study, daily monitoring of the ECG according to Holter and transesophageal electrophysiological study are used. All this can reveal an ectopic atrial rhythm.

Treatment

If a non-sinus rhythm is detected in a person, the treatment is selected depending on the underlying disease. In order for the therapy to be effective, it is necessary to carefully understand the reason for the failure of the heart. If it is caused by vegetative-vascular disorders, it will require the appointment of sedatives. If vagus is strengthened, then belladonna and "Atropine." Tachycardia requires the use of beta-blockers (Kordaron, Anaprilin, Isoptin, Obzidan).

With extrasystoles

With extrasystoles, in which organic origin, a course of "Panangin" or potassium chloride is prescribed. Medications for arrhythmia in some cases can also have a positive effect (Novokainamid, Aymalin). With myocardial infarction and simultaneous extrasystole, they use "Panangin" and "Lidocaine". A person receives these medications with a dropper.

With intoxication with cardiac glycosides

When intoxicated with digitalis, polytopic extrasystoles arise, which lead to ventricular fibrillation. Requires immediate withdrawal of the drug and treatment of "Inderalom", "Kaliem", "Lidocaine". "Unitiol" and diuretics will help to eliminate intoxication. What else should I do with a heart rhythm ectopic atrial diagnosis?

Sometimes a carotid sinus is massaged 20 seconds from the left and right side, if there is a supraventricular form. It helps to push on the stomach and in the eye area. Lack of relief requires the appointment of beta-hadron blockers. They are introduced with a slow speed, while it requires control of the pulse and blood pressure. Mix "Propanol" and "Verapamil" intravenously is not recommended.

What if the attack does not stop?

If the attack does not stop and lasts for a while, the patient's condition worsens at the same time, electropulse therapy is used. Intoxication with cardiac glycosides is a contraindication to such therapy. With frequent and severe attacks, electrocardiostimulation is used constantly.

As complications, exacerbations of cardiac problems may occur. A timely call to a doctor guarantees the absence of an ectopic rhythm, since the underlying diseases will be cured or at least controlled. Therefore, it is important not to panic if an atrial ectopic rhythm is detected by the ECG. We have considered what it is.

special instructions

In order for the heart to have a clear and coordinated work, you need to be less nervous and stick to a healthy lifestyle. The more a person spends time in the open air, engaged in moderate physical labor, the healthier will be his heart. In nutrition, it is necessary to limit fatty foods, which contributes to the formation of cholesterol plaques. You need to eat more fiber, fresh vegetables, fruits, which contain vitamins. The most important for the heart are calcium, magnesium, potassium.

Dairy products are rich in calcium, in bananas and tomatoes a huge amount of potassium, magnesium is present in spinach, buckwheat, carrots.

Conclusion

Sometimes the reason for the deviations of the heart rhythm from the norm lies in the human psyche. In this case, after visiting a therapist or a cardiologist, it makes sense to get a consultation from a therapist. You may need a full course of psychotherapy.

To problems with the heart should not be taken lightly, but at the same time, one should not allow the development of cardiopathy or the fear of a heart attack and other serious pathologies.

With neurocirculatory dystonia, it makes sense to take sedatives for a long time, better than plant origin, because they are safe and have virtually no contraindications and side effects. They include tincture of valerian, tincture of motherwort, Novopassit, Persen.

This is how dangerous is the ectopic atrial rhythm. What is it, we hope, has become clear to everyone now.