Sinus tachycardia may occur in different age groups. ECG (electrocardiogram) is the main diagnostic method by which it is possible to detect violations of the heart rhythm. Refusal of timely therapy can lead to the development of dangerous complications. The most unpleasant is severe heart failure.
Description of the pathological process
Sinus tachycardia is a type of arrhythmia in which the frequency and regularity of heart contractions are significantly disturbed. The development of the pathological process is said if the sinus rhythm exceeds 100 beats per minute. The sinus node is the main element that ensures the rhythm of the heart. If its work is disturbed, the whole organism suffers. Blood flow is reduced and the systems do not receive enough oxygen to function properly.
Tachycardia is a variant of the norm with significant physical exertion or emotional shock (excitement). If tachycardia is observed in calm situations, it is necessary toseek help from a cardiologist. Unpleasant symptoms may indicate the development of serious diseases of the cardiovascular system. Manifestations of tachycardia can be observed with a lack of oxygen (in a poorly ventilated room), after drinking a large amount of coffee. In preschool children, the feeling of their own heartbeat is a variant of the norm.
Sinus tachycardia may also occur in he althy people. An ECG can fix a violation at the time of the release of a large amount of adrenaline into the blood. This situation is observed against the background of activation of the sympathetic nervous system under the influence of an external factor. As soon as its action stops, the heart rate gradually returns to normal.
What does sinus tachycardia mean on an ECG? This means that the patient needs to undergo an additional examination by a cardiologist. Deviation from the indicators does not always mean that you had to deal with the disease. Violations can be observed against the background of fear. Especially often problems in diagnosis are observed in young patients. The ECG procedure itself for a child is already an emotional test. A preliminary diagnosis is made if the heart rate exceeds 120 beats per minute. If the readings are slightly lower, the ECG procedure is repeated after a while.
Causes of disease
Sinus tachycardia on ECG can be detected in any patient. But most often the diagnosis is made to older people or those who already suffer from certain diseases.heart disorders. Tachycardia may be an early sign of heart failure. If you suspect this disease, you must undergo a comprehensive medical examination. In elderly patients, tachycardia may develop against the background of myocarditis, cardiometry, angina pectoris.
In young and middle-aged patients, sinus tachycardia may develop due to a bacterial infection. ECG often reveals abnormalities in bacterial endocarditis. This is an inflammation of the connective tissue of the heart. The disease is manifested by symptoms of general intoxication, chills, chest pain. Endocarditis often develops in debilitated immunocompromised patients. At the same time, chronic foci of infection are most often present in the body.
Sinus tachycardia (S-type) may be a normal variant in some patients. ECG reveals a slight increase in heart rate at rest. However, the patient at the same time feels absolutely normal, other studies also do not reveal violations. In this case, tachycardia is an individual feature of a particular organism.
Neurogenic arrhythmias deserve special attention. Sinus tachycardia on the ECG occurs with primary dysfunction of the cerebral cortex, as well as disorders of the autonomic nervous system. Pathology often develops in young people prone to neurosis, depression.
In acute diseases, temporary sinus tachycardia of the heart can be observed. An ECG will show abnormalities if the patient has a fever. heart ratecontractions increases against the background of tonsillitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, sepsis, any focal infection. When body temperature rises, the circulatory system works to wear. As a result, the heart rate increases. The situation returns to normal after full recovery.
The sinus node can also be affected by certain medications. Antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, some hormone-based drugs will help increase heart rate.
Sinus tachycardia in children
Rapid heartbeat is a common occurrence in babies. Therefore, sinus tachycardia of the heart may not always be a reason for panic. What it is? Why does a child have a heart rate even at rest. Only a qualified pediatric cardiologist can answer this question accurately after a thorough examination of a small patient.
There is no reason to panic if the symptoms of tachycardia are observed after the active games of the child or fright. With an increase in body temperature against the background of the flu or a cold, an increased sinus rhythm (tachycardia) will also be observed. As soon as the irritating factor passes, the baby's heartbeat returns to normal.
What should I do if during a preventive examination the baby in a calm state has sinus tachycardia on the ECG? Signs of such a plan may indicate malformations of the heart that have not previously been identified in a small patient. Most often, tachycardia in children is caused by congenital malformations that lead to disruption of the heart and trunkvessels. Violations develop in utero. Statistics show that various forms of heart defects occur in 1% of newborns. In most cases, kids can lead a full life. However, you will have to see a pediatric cardiologist.
Against the background of other pathological processes in the child's body, sinus tachycardia of the heart can also develop. What it is? This means that the violation of the heart rhythm is due to the presence of infection in other organs and systems of the baby. Tachycardia often develops against the background of anemia, endocrine pathologies, and diseases of the nervous system.
Tachycardia and heart failure
If sinus tachycardia attacks recur periodically, treatment should be started immediately. It must be remembered that an increase in the number of heart contractions is one of the first signs of heart failure. The pathological process in the absence of timely therapy can lead to the development of dangerous complications, up to death.
Heart failure is a condition in which the contractility of the myocardium (the main heart muscle) is significantly reduced. As a result, congestion appears in the blood circulation, accompanied by a significant deterioration in the patient's well-being. Heart failure is rarely an independent disease. Most often this is a consequence of other disorders of the vascular system. In adults, pathology can develop against the background of ischemic disease. In children, heartfailure can progress rapidly against the background of congenital malformations of the organ.
With arterial hypertension, the development of heart failure occurs over the years. In this case, sinus tachycardia after physical exertion on the ECG may be noticeable. In a calm state at the initial stage, violations are not yet noticeable.
Provoke the rapid progression of tachycardia and heart failure will be such negative factors as overweight, alcoholism, smoking.
Diagnostic measures
The main diagnostic method is the ECG in sinus tachycardia. The figure that appears after the study can be seen below. A non-invasive electrophysiological test makes it possible to assess the bioelectric potentials of the heart. All manipulations are carried out using skin electrodes. ECG is an affordable method that has been used in cardiology for decades.
If serious violations of the heart are suspected, 24-hour ECG monitoring is performed. With such a study, the work of the heart is observed over a long period. The patient is amenable to physical activity or is in a calm state. Particular attention is paid to the work of the heart in a state of sleep. For monitoring, a special portable device is used, which is fixed on the patient's body and does not limit his actions. All types of cardiac arrhythmias are detected using a computer program. This diagnosis isquite informative and completely safe for the patient.
Echocardiography is another popular method that is widely used in the study of heart disease. This is a non-invasive way to examine the activity of the heart using ultrasound. Such a study makes it possible to identify disorders of the vascular system that are not noticeable on the ECG and do not manifest themselves clinically. Thus, it is possible to study the structures of the heart muscle and the surrounding space.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart can be prescribed to detect intracardiac pathology. The method is based on scanning the tissues of an organ with radio waves. Thanks to high resolutions, it is possible to see the detailed structure of the cavities and valves of the heart muscle. MRI is the main diagnostic method to determine the type of heart disease.
In the process of studying patients with tachycardia, it is important to exclude blood diseases, endocrine disorders, pathologies of the nervous system. Therefore, in addition, consultation of related specialists may be required. In addition, the patient must take general blood and urine tests.
Signs of sinus tachycardia
Symptoms of the disease depend on the degree of its severity. The general condition of the patient, the presence of chronic pathologies, the usefulness of the work of the entire cardiovascular system are also important. At the initial stage, the patient may not suspect at all that he is developing sinus tachycardia. Symptoms, as a rule, appear when an irreversible process has begun, the heart muscle is not working properly.
For a consultation witha cardiologist should be contacted if the heartbeat is periodically heard in a calm state, a feeling of heaviness or pain in the chest area has appeared. The following can also be attributed to alarming signs: a feeling of lack of air (shortness of breath), weakness, an increased sense of anxiety, insomnia, decreased performance and appetite, worsening mood. These symptoms may indicate that insufficient oxygen is supplied to the blood due to improper functioning of the heart muscle. It is possible that a diagnosis of "sinus tachycardia of the heart" will be made. What it is has already been described above.
The manifestation of tachycardia also depends on the degree of sensitivity of the nervous system of a particular patient. In some cases, the disease may be accompanied by angina attacks. This is a sharp pain in the chest area caused by a lack of blood supply. With the development of such a phenomenon, assistance to the patient should be provided immediately. Tachycardia may also worsen signs of heart failure, such as liver enlargement, swelling in the arms and legs, swelling of the saphenous veins, etc.
With severe sinus tachycardia, the blood supply to various body systems is disrupted. As a result, the patient has frequent dizziness, fainting. With damage to the vessels of the brain, convulsions can be observed. Prolonged tachycardia leads to the development of hypotension (low blood pressure).
First aid for tachycardia
Help the patient is needed with a pronouncedtachycardia with pain syndrome. The self-control of the patient himself is of great importance. During an attack of tachycardia, you need to calm down and try to call someone for help. It is necessary to ensure the flow of fresh air - open the window or go outside. Tight clothing should be removed, the collar on the shirt should be unbuttoned. Nothing should interfere with normal breathing.
Quickly restore the normal activity of the heart will help the drug "Corvalol". It is a soothing herbal antispasmodic drug. The drug helps to normalize the patient's condition, relieves unpleasant manifestations of tachycardia. But you should not count on a long-term therapeutic effect. The doctor will prescribe the correct therapy. Therefore, during an attack of severe tachycardia, it is necessary to call an ambulance.
Sinus tachycardia can be diagnosed already at home. Full treatment begins only after a thorough examination in the conditions of the cardiology department.
Even before the arrival of the ambulance, a cold compress on the forehead will help to normalize the patient's condition. You can also wash with cool water. A strong artificial cough also helps to normalize the heart rate.
It is important to find and establish the cause of tachycardia in a timely manner. The symptoms described above may indicate a myocardial infarction. Therefore, in no case should you try to carry out therapy yourself at home.
Drug treatment of sinus tachycardia
The principles of disease therapy are determined primarily by the causesdevelopment of the pathological process. The doctor must find out what sinus tachycardia on the ECG means, what other disorders are present in the work of the cardiovascular system. The therapy is carried out by a cardiologist together with other specialists. Treatment of secondary tachycardia should be aimed at eliminating the underlying disease.
Special attention is paid to sinus tachycardia due to heart failure. Cardiac glycosides are mandatory. Digoxin is widely used. The drug has a vasodilating and moderately diuretic effect. The drug helps to normalize the work of the heart - it reduces the heart rate, increases the stroke volume of the heart muscle. When taken orally, the drug is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The therapeutic effect is noticeable within half an hour.
In the complex therapy of sinus tachycardia, sedatives, tranquilizers and antipsychotics are widely used. With their help, it is possible to gradually normalize well-being, reduce the manifestations of insomnia, and normalize the heart rate.
General recommendations
After the conclusion of the ECG "sinus tachycardia" the patient will have to reconsider his lifestyle. This is especially true for patients in whom tachycardia is accompanied by other dangerous diseases of the cardiovascular system. First of all, you have to forget about bad habits. It is strictly forbidden to smoke and drink alcohol.
Tachycardia and cardiacinsufficiency is not a reason to be limited in social contacts and a normal lifestyle. The patient can attend work, do what he loves. And moderate physical activity will only benefit. Of course, you can't overdo it. Gymnastics, cycling, hiking in the fresh air - all this should be fun.
Proper physical activity increases the performance of the heart. For the patient, an individual training program can be developed to strengthen the cardiovascular system and the body's defenses as a whole. Before starting training, it is recommended to perform an exercise ECG. Sinus tachycardia is a reason to develop the right training program, taking into account the patient's disease.
People with heart disease should pay special attention to their diet. A patient with tachycardia should eat regularly, avoid starvation. Portions should be kept to a minimum. Excessive stress on the gastrointestinal tract can also provoke a heart rhythm disorder. Eating before bed is not recommended. Preference should be given to low-calorie foods high in magnesium and potassium.
After examining sinus rhythm on an ECG, tachycardia may not always be detected. However, the described diet will also benefit he althy patients. For those who adhere to it, the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease is minimized.
Useful for sinus tachycardiaconsume foods high in fiber. These are nuts, fresh vegetables and fruits. The diet should definitely include raisins, dried apricots, cherries, pomegranates, grapefruits, dates, grapes, figs, peaches, dogwood, etc. Baked vegetables - eggplants, potatoes, carrots, beets will benefit. The diet should also include cereals with milk, vegetable soups, fermented milk products.
Be careful when choosing meat. Preference should be given to low-fat foods. Ideal for chicken, rabbit. The diet should also include low-fat sea fish, which contains a large amount of iron, magnesium, potassium and other useful trace elements.
Folk remedies for the treatment of tachycardia
Even if sinus tachycardia is not accompanied by an ECG, the recipes described below will help restore normal he alth, strengthen the work of the entire cardiovascular system. Alternative methods of treatment can be used in combination with traditional treatment. Before starting therapy, be sure to consult with your cardiologist.
Hawthorn is widely used in many heart diseases. Especially this plant is useful in stressful situations. With the help of hawthorn, you can quickly calm the nervous system, normalize sleep. The plant has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels. The chemical composition of hawthorn includes fructose, calcium, magnesium, Vitamins A, C, E. Most often, hawthorn inflorescences and fruits are used, less often leaves.
With sinus tachycardia, hawthorn tincture therapy for 25 days will come to the rescue. Toprepare a medicine, 150 g of dried fruits are poured with a liter of vodka. The product should be infused for a week in a cool, dry place. A teaspoon of tincture should be consumed twice a day after meals.
Hawthorn-based tea will also be useful. Dried fruits are poured with boiling water, add a little sugar to taste. This drink is especially helpful before bed. You can forget about insomnia.
Valerian has long been recognized as a sedative. The plant is widely used in the complex therapy of sinus tachycardia. A tablespoon of chopped roots (available at a pharmacy) is poured with boiling water and insisted in a thermos for several hours. This infusion should be consumed three times a day, 100 ml. The course of therapy is three weeks. This therapy is especially useful for stress-induced tachycardia.
Motherwort also calms the heart rate well. This plant is the first competitor of valerian. A teaspoon of motherwort is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused until cool (15-20 minutes). Three cups of this tea should be drunk per day. You can add sugar to taste.
Widely used as a medicine against tachycardia and the following prescription. Ten cloves of garlic are thoroughly ground, mixed with the juice of ten lemons. The finished mixture is added to half a liter of fresh honey. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed and allowed to brew throughout the day. The medicine is taken in a few teaspoons once a day.
Treatment prognosis
You should not panic if sinus tachycardia is detected on the ECG. Decoding by a qualified specialist will make it possible to figure out what the violation of the heart rhythm is connected with. In any case, with a timely appeal for help, the prognosis will be favorable. But the refusal of treatment will lead to the development of heart failure and other unpleasant complications.
