Syndrome of weakness of the sinus node combines in its concept various cardiac arrhythmias, the main cause of which is considered to be pathological changes in the functioning of the sinus node. This disease is characterized by the presence of bradycardia, and often there are additional foci of arrhythmia.
To get rid of the ongoing pathology, it is important to conduct a timely diagnosis and subsequent comprehensive treatment.
Features of the course of the disease
In the heart muscle there is a center that sets the rhythm of its beating. This function is performed by the so-called sinus node, which is considered a pacemaker. It creates an electrical impulse and redirects it to the heart.
The sinus node of the heart is located in the right atrium in the area where the union of the vena cava occurs. It is a kind of power plant that distributes charges that set the rhythm of the beating of the heart muscle. The deterioration of the functioning of this organ creates various kinds of interruptions in the functioning of the heart. This pathology manifests itself equally in both sexes and often occurs in older people.
Weakness Syndromesinus node - not one specific disease, but several interconnected cardiac arrhythmias. This concept includes:
- bradycardia;
- tachycardia;
- mixed type.
This pathology is quite common and responds well to therapy, especially in the initial stages of the disease. To determine the presence of a disease, it is imperative to know the causes that provoke it and the characteristic signs.
Classification of the course of the disease
Many are wondering, sinus arrhythmia - what is it, how is this disease classified and what is characteristic of it? You can distinguish such types of pathologies as:
- sinus bradycardia;
- tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome;
- sinoatrial blockade;
- sinus node fading.
Bradycardia is characterized by the fact that there is a decrease in the number of impulses and this leads to a decrease in contractions of the heart muscle. If there are less than fifty contractions per minute, then this is considered the main sign of bradycardia.
The syndrome of bradycardia-tachycardia is characterized by the fact that periods of slow work of the heart muscle are replaced by rapid heartbeat. Sometimes, with the subsequent development of the pathology, atrial fibrillation is observed.
With sinoatrial blockade, the sinus node functions unchanged, however, a failure occurs during the transmission of impulses. How clearly and evenly the blockade of the impulse occurs depends largely onrhythmic contraction of the heart muscle.
Stopping the sinus impulse means that the pacemaker takes a break in the generation of the impulse for a certain time. Violation of the activity of the node also differs in the nature of the course of the pathology, namely, it is divided into:
- latent current;
- intermittent leakage;
- manifesting current.
Latent course is expressed in the fact that the dysfunction of the sinus node is almost imperceptible. Failures are very rare and pathology can only be detected during a comprehensive examination.
The intermittent course of the disease is characterized by the fact that the weakness of the sinus node is observed mainly at night. This is due to the impact on the work of the rhythm of the vegetative system. With a manifest course of pathology, malfunctions in the work of the heart are more pronounced.
Causes of pathology
There are a variety of reasons that provoke the weakness of the sinus node, which can be external and internal. The most common internal causes include:
- replacement of heart muscle cells with connective tissue;
- ischemic heart disease;
- atherosclerosis;
- surgery and trauma;
- inflammatory processes, regardless of their origin;
- autoimmune diseases;
- violation of protein metabolism.
Also, metabolic disorders can be predisposing factors,lack or excess production of thyroid hormones, diabetes, constant weight changes.
The most common external cause of SSSU (ICD 10 - I49.5) may be the excessive influence of the department of the nervous system responsible for the activity of many internal organs. A similar state occurs when:
- injuries of the nervous system;
- presence of malignant neoplasms in the brain;
- cerebral hemorrhage;
- systematic use of certain medications.
In children, weakness of the sinus node is observed mainly with diphtheria, and in the elderly - with atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels. Failures in the functioning of this section of the heart muscle occur mainly in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Acute heart failure is often the cause.
Symptoms of Weak Knot Syndrome
In order to timely recognize the course of the pathology, it is imperative to know sinus arrhythmia - what is it and what are the signs of the disease? Violations can manifest themselves in completely different ways, depending on the primary pathology that provoked them. Initially, the disease is mostly asymptomatic. Patients may not even notice interruptions in the contraction of the heart muscle lasting several seconds.
Some patients at the very beginning may experience problems with blood circulation in the brain and other organs, whichleads to the corresponding clinical manifestations. Subsequently, with further progression of the pathology, a decrease in the number of heart contractions is noted. The severity of this pathology depends largely on the general condition of the cardiovascular system.
The main signs of sick sinus syndrome in the initial stages include:
- dizziness;
- feeling a heartbeat;
- fainting;
- chest pain;
- shortness of breath.
Such symptoms are non-specific, which is why it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis to select the most appropriate method of therapy. Sinus node dysfunction syndrome is divided into two separate groups, namely, brain dysfunction, as well as the presence of heart problems.
In case of violation of the activity of the brain, one can distinguish such main signs of the pathological process as:
- increased irritability;
- emotional instability;
- constant feeling of tiredness;
- memory deterioration.
In the elderly, there may also be a decrease in intellectual abilities. With the subsequent progression of the pathological process, circulatory disorders occur, which provokes the occurrence of more pronounced symptoms. Pre-fainting and dizziness may be accompanied by severe weakness and the appearance of tinnitus. As a result of deterioration in the functioning of the heart muscle, there may be a sharp drop in pressure,accompanied by excessive pallor and cooling of the skin.
Symptoms of weakness of the sinus node with violations of the heart muscle at the initial stage are practically not manifested in any way. With the progression of the pathology, pain behind the sternum is noted, which occurs as a result of deterioration in the blood supply to the myocardium. With increased physical activity, patients complain of severe weakness and shortness of breath. If timely medical care is not provided to the patient, this can lead to chronic heart failure. In the later stages of the pathological process, there may be a fatal outcome.
Diagnosis
For timely detection of the presence of pathology and complex treatment, it is important to diagnose the weakness of the sinus node, which is carried out using several different methods. The main method is the removal of the electrocardiogram at the time of the attack. In addition, such diagnostic methods are used as:
- Holter monitoring;
- drug exercise test;
- intracardiac electrophysiological study;
- identifying symptoms.
Holter monitoring implies the use of a portable electrocardiograph, which records the activity of the heart muscle throughout the day. This is very convenient, since it is possible to detect the latent course of the pathological process. At the same time, the patient can live his usual life and performmain processes. By analyzing the data obtained, it is possible to determine the root cause of sinus node dysfunction.
Also, exercise tests are carried out, during which certain increased demands are created on the patient's heart. During physical activity, the level of oxygen increases, which is required by the myocardium for metabolic processes. This test will determine the signs of oxygen starvation.
Providing treatment
Treatment of the sinus node begins with the elimination of the main factors that can provoke conduction disturbance. For this, the prescribed medications are initially canceled. The main method of conducting therapy, which guarantees the best result, is the installation of a pacemaker.
In addition to eliminating external causes, there must be observance of the optimal level of load, the exclusion of bad habits. It is also necessary to reduce the amount of caffeinated drinks consumed. If there are chronic diseases that affect the functioning of the sinus node, then it is imperative to treat them.
Medicated treatment
If there is an increased activity of the nervous system responsible for the activity of the internal organs, or there are other, more serious disorders, then medical treatment of weakness of the sinus node is carried out. The doctor prescribes drugs that help eliminate dysfunction.
During drug therapy, it is necessary to avoid takingdrugs that cause a decrease in the number of heart contractions and a decrease in blood pressure. In emergency cases, the patient is given the drug "Atropine". Taking medications is aimed only at eliminating the main symptoms and is a preparatory step in the surgical intervention.
Surgery
To eliminate the dysfunction of the sinus node, it is necessary to install permanent pacing in the patient's body. There are certain indications for the installation of a pacemaker, which include:
- simultaneous presence of bradycardia and other cardiac arrhythmias;
- bradycardia with excessively low pulse rate;
- loss of consciousness with epileptic seizures;
- coronary insufficiency, regular dizziness and fainting.
In this case, the installation of a pacemaker is necessarily indicated, since if treatment is not carried out in a timely manner, the consequences can be more serious, even fatal.
Use of folk remedies
Self-treatment with weakness of the sinus node is unacceptable, which is why you should definitely consult with your doctor before using alternative therapy methods. When carrying out therapy with traditional medicine, special infusions are made from medicinal plants, in particular, such as:
- motherwort;
- mint;
- valerian;
- yarrow.
These medicinal herbshelp normalize sleep, fight stress, and improve well-being.
Prophylaxis
In order to prevent deterioration of the condition, it is imperative to carry out competent prevention. It implies the observance of the principles of rational nutrition, you need to control the regime of the day. The daily diet should contain foods with a high content of magnesium and potassium, which help maintain the performance of the heart muscle.
Physical activity must be regular, and the load increases depending on the state of he alth and well-being of the patient. You need to try to eliminate psycho-emotional stress and stress from your life. To calm the nervous system, it is advisable to use natural remedies and stop taking medications.
It is also necessary to control the amount of sugar in the blood and monitor weight gain in children and adults. It is impossible to take medications uncontrollably, since even the most harmless drugs can provoke a deterioration in the activity of the heart muscle. It is imperative to undergo timely examination and treatment in order to prevent the transition of the disease to a more complex stage.
Forecast and consequences
It is important to remember that sick sinus syndrome is a dangerous disease that can have many negative consequences. This pathology occurs mainly in older people, however, recently it has also been diagnosed in young children, as well as adolescents. The consequences of the course of the disease can be very serious, in particular such as:
- formation of permanent sinus bradycardia;
- regular blocking of the heart for a few seconds;
- blocking sinus node impulse transmission;
- frequent tachycardia attacks;
- atrial flutter.
If the pathological process is treated incorrectly or untimely, a stroke can occur, and this can cause damage to brain tissue and impaired brain function. In addition, the consequence of such a disease can be the formation of blood clots, which is very life-threatening, since if a blood clot breaks off from the walls of blood vessels, this can lead to death.
Another pathology can be heart failure, which is often formed in the absence of timely therapy and the progression of the disease.
The disruption of impulse conduction by the pacemaker center itself is not dangerous and does not have a negative impact on the patient's life expectancy. The threat is only those consequences that can be provoked by the course of pathology.
The prognosis for life expectancy will largely depend on the nature and degree of damage. If violations in the work of the sinus node were formed as complications as a result of the course of the underlying disease, the prognosis for further survival will depend on how severe the damage to the body was.
