Ectopic right atrial rhythm in adolescents. Atrial rhythm. How does atrial rhythm occur?

Atrial rhythm is a condition in which the function of sinus contraction is weakened. In this case, the lower atrial center acts as a source of impulses. There is a weakened heart rate, with heart beats ranging from 90–160 per minute. This article explains how to determine atrial rhythm on the ECG.

What are we talking about?

Many people who are diagnosed with atrial rhythm do not understand what this means. A healthy person has the only way transmission of electrical impulses causing sequential excitation of all cardiac sections. Due to this, a productive contraction occurs, leading to a satisfactory blood release into the arteries.

This route originates in the right atrium. After which it passes to the most distant ventricular tissues through the conduction system. However, for various reasons, the sinus node loses the ability to generate electricity necessary to release impulses to distant sections.

The transmission process is changing cardiac excitement. A replacement contraction is formed. It turns out that the impulse arises out of place. For information, atrial rhythm is the appearance of much-needed excitation anywhere in the heart, only in the wrong location sinus node.

How does atrial rhythm occur?

Outside the border of the sinus node, an extraneous impulse appears, exciting the heart before the signal emanating from the main one. This situation indicates an advance of the secondary atrial contraction. Based on the reentry theory, there is no parallel excitation. This is influenced by local blocking of nerve impulses. During activation, this area experiences an extra extraordinary contraction, which disrupts the main cardiac impulse.

Diagnostics allows you to determine the presence of pathologies of the heart muscle

According to some theories, the endocrine, vegetative nature of the formation of the precardiac impulse is assumed. Usually this situation occurs in a child in adolescence or in an adult suffering from hormonal changes, which may occur due to age or pathological manifestations.

In addition, there is a theory of the occurrence of an impulse formed by the atria as a result of hypoxic, inflammatory processes occurring in the myocardium. This pathology can occur with regular inflammatory diseases. It has been noted that in children suffering from influenza and tonsillitis, the likelihood of myocarditis with further changes in atrial contraction increases.

At the heart that is main muscle organism has a special property. It has the ability to contract regardless of nerve impulse emanating from the main organ of the central nervous system. Since it is he who controls the activity of the neurohumoral system. The correct route originates in the region of the right atrium. Then spread along the septum occurs. Impulses that do not pass along this route are called ectopic.

Types of atrial contraction

Based on the unevenness of the intervals, atrial rhythm is of the following types:

• Extrasystole is characterized by extraordinary contractions that occur during normal heart rhythm. This condition does not always have a clinical picture. It happens that a healthy person, for one reason or another, experiences extrasystole. In this case, sometimes there is no need to contact a cardiologist. It manifests itself as fear, tingling in the area of ​​the heart and stomach.
• At atrial fibrillation heartbeats can reach up to 600 per minute. The atrial muscles are characterized by a lack of rhythm, flickering appears, with characteristic chaotic behavior. As a result, the ventricles of the heart completely go out of rhythm. This condition is quite serious and can lead to a heart attack. With this pathology, the patient suffers from shortness of breath, panic, dizziness, sweating, and fear of death. Loss of consciousness may occur.
• During pacemaker migration the source of contractions seems to move through the atria. There is a manifestation of successive impulses emanating from different atrial sections. The patient experiences tremors, fear, and stomach emptiness.
• Atrial flutter characterized by frequent regular contractions of the atria, systematic ventricular contractions. At this state more than 200 beats per minute occur. It is more easily tolerated by the patient than flickering, since it has a less pronounced circulatory disorder. Manifested by rapid heartbeat, swollen neck veins, excessive sweating, lack of strength.

is carried out by a cardiologist who, based on obvious signs, confirms or denies the presence of extrasystoles

How to distinguish atrial rhythm from sinus rhythm

The atrial rhythm is slow, replacing. It occurs during suppression of the sinus node. Usually, with this arrangement, the heart contracts less than normal. In addition, there are accelerated impulses, during which the pathological activity of the center of atrial automation increases. In this situation, the heart rate is higher than the heart rate.

Based on where the activity of the ectopic center occurs, left atrial and right atrial contractions are distinguished. To alleviate the patient’s condition, electrocardiography does not necessarily have to determine which atrium is producing the pathological impulse. The doctor will need to diagnose the altered contractions.

The atrial rhythm on a replacement ECG has the following signs:

• correct contraction of the ventricles at regular intervals;
• contraction frequency varies from 45 to 60 per minute;
• each ventricular complex has a deformed, negative wave;
• intervals are characterized by shortness or normal duration;
• the ventricular complex is not changed.

Accelerated atrial rhythm has the following signs on the ECG:

• cardiac impulses range from 120 to 130 per minute;
• each ventricular contraction has a deformed, biphasic, negative, jagged wave;
• intervals are lengthened;
• the ventricular complex is unchanged.

Atrial extrasystole is determined by a premature, extraordinary contraction. Ventricular extrasystole characterized by a change in the contractile complex followed by a compensatory pause.

Features of atrial and ventricular rhythm that should be differentiated from each other

Signs on ECG

On an electrocardiogram, the doctor judges the atrial rhythm by the presence of deformation of the P wave. Diagnostics records the disturbed amplitude and its direction in comparison with the normal impulse. Usually this tooth is shortened. Right atrial contraction appears negative on the ECG. The left atrial rhythm has a positive wave and a rather bizarre shape. It looks like a shield with a sword.

Important! With an atrial rhythm, the P wave can be either negative or positive.

If the patient suffers from migration of the driving rhythm, then the electrocardiogram shows a changed wave shape and a longer P Q segment. Moreover, this change is cyclical. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by complete absence tooth Which is explained by the inferiority of systole.

However, the ECG shows an F wave, characterized by uneven amplitude. Using these waves, ectopic contractions are determined. There are cases when the atrial rhythm is asymptomatic, appearing only on the ECG. However, if the patient is found to have this pathology, he requires specialist supervision.

The only place where a normal rhythm of heart contractions is formed is the sinus node. It is located in the right atrium, from which the signal passes to the atrioventricular node, then along the branches of His and Purkinje fibers it reaches its target - the ventricles. Any other part of the myocardium that generates impulses is considered ectopic, that is, located outside the physiological zone.

Depending on the location of the pathological pacemaker, the symptoms of arrhythmia and its signs on the ECG change.

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Reasons for the development of nodal, right atrial ectopic rhythm

If the sinus node is damaged, then the function passes to the atrioventricular one - a nodal rhythm occurs. Its descending part extends into in the right direction, and impulses on the way to the atrium move retrograde. Also, an ectopic focus forms in the right atrium, less often in the left, in the ventricular myocardium.

The reasons for the loss of contraction control by the sinus node are:

• , especially viral origin. Ectopic atrial lesions produce signals whose frequency is higher or lower than normal.
• Ischemic processes disrupt the functioning of the conduction system due to lack of oxygen.
• Cardiosclerosis leads to the replacement of functioning muscle cells with rough inert tissue, incapable of generating impulses.

There are also extracardiac factors that interfere with the physiological work of the muscle fibers of the sinus node. These include, diabetes, diseases of the adrenal glands or thyroid gland.

Symptoms of a slow or fast heartbeat

The manifestations of ectopic heart rhythms depend entirely on how far the new pacemaker is located from the sinus node. If its localization is the cells of the atria, then there are often no symptoms, and the pathology is diagnosed only on.

Atrioventricular rhythm can be with a pulse rate close to normal - from 60 to 80 contractions per minute. In this case, it is not felt by the patient. At lower values, paroxysmal dizziness, fainting, and general weakness are observed.

Detects lower atrial rhythm mainly on ECG. The reasons lie in the VSD, so it can be diagnosed even in a child. Accelerated heartbeat requires treatment as a last resort, is more often prescribed non-drug therapy

Ectopic atrial rhythm, what is it? This term refers to contractions of the heart fibers that appear automatically, but not in the sinus node, but in the myocardium or conduction system. Literally, ectopia is translated as the appearance of something in the wrong place.

Ectopic atrial rhythm, what is it? Description of the phenomenon

Ectopic heart rhythm, also called replacement, since it “turns on” if the sinus node constantly or periodically fails to cope with its “ functional responsibility" Frequency ectopic rhythm significantly less and is considered non-sinus. It should be noted that the further the fibers that are the source sending the electrical pulse are concentrated, the less reproducible it is.

At normal operation heart, the electrical impulse originates in the appendage of the right atrium, because it is there that the sinus node is located, which is considered a first-order driver, in medical literature it is also called the Kisa-Flaca knot. Next, the impulse moves along the conduction system, heading to the atrioventricular node. Having reached the atrioventricular junction, it is distributed through the Purkinje fibers and the His system to all the muscles of the ventricles.

With ectopic heart rhythm, due to the influence of certain factors, the tissues in the Kisa-Flaca node do not emit an electrical impulse, which is sent to lower sections hearts. Due to the instability of the first order driver, replacement rhythms arise.

Why does ectopic heart rhythm occur? Causes of pathology

First-order driver disruptions may occur due to changes of the following nature:

1. Ischemic.
2. Sclerotic.
3. Inflammatory.

Let's take a closer look at each of these deviations in the functioning of the sinus node.

If the cause is ischemia

For acute or chronic ischemia heart, there are disturbances in the functioning of the sinus node. This happens due to insufficient oxygen supply to the myocardial cells. “Hungry” cells are not able to work at full capacity. Therefore, myocardial ischemia is a leading disease that causes disruption of normal rhythms.

If the cause is sclerotic

These include: cardiosclerosis, heart attacks, myocarditis. After crisis attacks, during the recovery process, myocardial cells are replaced by growing scar tissue. Since scar tissue does not have the corresponding nerve fibers, then the transmission of the electrical impulse does not occur in full or is absent altogether.

If inflammation is the cause

The inflammatory course of the disease, which occurs in the cardiac tissues, can also affect muscle fibers Kisa-Flaca node. As a consequence of this spread of infection, the cellular ability to issue and conduct electrical impulses generated in the sinus node is disrupted. Escape rhythms begin to appear in the cells of the atria, sending them to the atrioventricular node. The frequency of such contractions differs significantly from the usual ones, up or down.

When is ectopic heart rhythm found in children?

Ectopic atrial rhythm in children is extremely rare and can be congenital or acquired. Most often, this pathology appears when:

• hormonal changes, adolescence;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• pathologies associated with the thyroid gland.

As for newborns, ectopic atrial rhythm is often detected in premature babies or in newborns with birth pathology, including hypoxia. Usually, with age, the neurohumoral regulation of the activity of the heart muscles in children becomes more mature and the replacement rhythms disappear, and the heart begins to distribute electrical impulses from the sinus node.

Therefore, if, when an ectopic atrial rhythm is detected in children, there are no pathologies associated with the work of the heart, and there are no disorders of the central nervous system, then such a disorder is called age-related, which goes away as the child grows up. Required condition For such children, regular monitoring by a cardiologist is necessary.

If the child is found to have: atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular rhythm or paroxysmal tachycardia, then you should undergo an immediate examination, since such abnormalities can be caused by congenital cardiomyopathy, heart defects, which can be congenital or acquired, rheumatic fever or viral myocarditis.

Methods for treating ectopic atrial rhythm

If disturbances in the functioning of the heart muscles are detected, which are asymptomatic and not caused by hormonal imbalances, heart or neuralgic diseases, the following treatment is carried out.

1. At a low frequency of ectopic contractions (bradyform of atrial fibrillation), adaptogens (natural - ginseng, Eleutherococcus, mumiyo) are prescribed.
2. If the manifestation of the disease is moderate, then restorative and sedatives are indicated.
3. At severe cases Doctors advise resorting to implantation of an artificial pacemaker.

Some patients are prescribed medications instead of an electronic implant that must be taken for the rest of their lives, thereby extending their lives.

Timely consultation with a doctor increases the chances of full recovery, especially if the ectopic atrial rhythm is not accompanied by an underlying heart disease.

Atrial rhythm is a contraction of the heart, during which the activity of the sinus node weakens and the underlying parts of the conduction system become the source of electrical impulses. The heart rate in this case is much weaker. On average, there are from 90 to 160 beats per minute.

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Etiology of the disease

Atrial rhythm can appear at any age. This condition can last from several days to several months. However, in medical practice atrial rhythm is still a temporary condition.

In some cases, this pathology may be congenital. The reasons for this phenomenon are due to neuroendocrine factors and changes in the myocardium in the womb. Therefore born child the heart has ectopic foci in the atria. However, such violations are quite rare.

The heart rate in children may deviate from normal due to infection with the virus. The patient's condition in this case is considered serious. Attacks of atrial rhythm worsen when changing body position or in the morning.

Heart rate may change when:

• rheumatism;
• diabetes mellitus;
• heart defects;
• elevated heart pressure;
• coronary disease;
• neurocirculatory dystonia.



In some cases, ectopic atrial rhythm is diagnosed in completely healthy people. The cause of this condition is external stimuli.

If the source of atrial impulses moves through the atrium, then the impulses come from different departments organ. This state of affairs clinical practice called rhythm migration. Depending on the location of the source, the amplitude on the ECG also changes.

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by chaotic movement of the source of impulses. In this case, the heart rate can vary from 350 to 500 beats per minute. This condition is considered critical. Without treatment, the patient may develop a myocardial infarction or stroke.



Characteristic manifestations

Symptoms of atrial rhythm depend on the cause and concomitant disease. As such, there are no specific manifestations of ectopic atrial rhythm. However, you can identify the main signs, the appearance of which should consult a doctor.



An attack of abnormal heart rate may occur unexpectedly. If this condition lasts for several hours, the patient may experience dizziness, chest pain and shortness of breath. In addition, the patient experiences a feeling of fear and anxiety. During a prolonged attack, a person tries to find a position that will make him feel better. If the attack does not go away, the patient's condition worsens. His hands begin to tremble profuse sweating, darkening of the eyes and bloating.

In some cases, the patient may experience nausea. Appear frequent urge for emptying Bladder. Such urges appear regardless of how much liquid a person drinks. The patient is forced to visit the toilet every 15-20 minutes. The urine produced is light and transparent. The urge to urinate stops after the attack.

IN in rare cases During an attack, a person may experience the urge to have a bowel movement.

Short-term attacks may appear at night. Failure heart rate may be caused bad dream. After an attack, a person may feel a slight sinking of the heart. As a rule, the heartbeat then returns to normal. A brief attack may be accompanied by painful sensations and a feeling of heat in the throat.



Ectopic atrial rhythm in children may manifest as weakness, pale skin, abdominal pain, anxiety, cyanosis and shortness of breath.



Diagnosis of pathology

If heart rhythm disturbances occur, you should consult a doctor. Diagnosis of ectopic atrial rhythm is carried out using an ECG. If there are abnormalities on the electrocardiogram, deformation of the P wave and a change in its amplitude are observed.



In the chest leads, the P wave can be expressed as positive or negative. Right atrial rhythm is observed if the P wave on the ECG is of a negative type. IN in this case it appears in leads V1,2,3,4. Inferior atrial rhythm on the ECG tape is determined by the negative type of P wave in leads V1, 2 and VF.

In the left atrium, deviations of the P wave appear in chest leads V2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. And in lead V1, the wave is of a positive type. This form in medical practice is called a shield and sword.

With a left atrial rhythm, unlike a right atrial rhythm, no changes in the PQ interval are observed on the ECG tape. The duration of the interval is 0.12 seconds.



This diagnostic method is carried out at any age. Changes in the direction and amplitude of the P wave during atrial rhythm will also be clearly visible in children.



Medical therapy

If the ECG tape reveals signs of atrial rhythm, then doctors prescribe treatment depending on the provoking factor. If the underlying disease is associated with vegetative-vascular disorders, then therapy is carried out with sedatives. In this case, the patient is prescribed Atropine and Belladonna. For palpitations, treatment is carried out with Propranolol, Obzidan and Anaprilin.



For ectopic atrial rhythm, doctors prescribe antiarrhythmic drugs. This group of drugs includes Novocainamide and Aymalin. To avoid the development of myocardial infarction, a course of treatment with Panangin is carried out.

To normalize the heart rate, massage of the carotid sinus can be performed. The duration of the massage is 15-20 seconds. Pressure is applied in the abdominal area and on eyeballs. If such manipulations do not bring relief, the doctor prescribes beta-blockers, namely Novocainamide or Verapamil.

During a prolonged attack, the patient is given electrical impulse therapy, which consists of defibrillation, cardioversion and temporary cardiac pacing. The impulse allows you to restore sinus rhythm and prevent the development of myocardial infarction. If therapy is ineffective, the pulse power may increase.



Traditional methods

For ectopic atrial rhythm, the main treatment can be combined with folk ways. In this case, the drugs should be selected depending on the cause that provoked the heart rhythm disturbance. You should also consult your doctor before using them.



If you have an atrial rhythm, you can prepare an infusion of calendula. Pour in 2 tsp. flowers 200 ml boiling water. The infusion should stand for 1-1.5 hours. Take ½ cup twice a day.

During attacks, you can drink cornflower infusion. To prepare it, you will need to pour 200 ml of boiling water with 1/3 tbsp. l. flowers and leaves of cornflower. Strain the finished infusion and take ½ glass in the morning and evening. In just a week general state will improve significantly.

For high heart pressure, a herbal mixture of hawthorn, calendula, rose hips, sweet clover, mint and foxglove is considered useful. Mix all ingredients in equal proportions. Pour 1 tbsp. l. herbal mixture 250 ml water. Place the container on the stove and bring the broth to a boil. Divide the contents into two portions. Drink the decoction twice a day, morning and evening.

No less effective is a decoction of burdock, mint, motherwort, blackberry, cucumber and coltsfoot. Connect all components in equal parts. Pour 2 tbsp. l. herbal collection 300 ml water. Boil the broth for 5-7 minutes over low heat. Take 100 ml three times a day.



For coronary heart disease, you can prepare a mixture of valerian, mint, caraway, fennel and chamomile. Pour 1 tbsp. l. collecting 400 ml of boiling water. Leave the infusion under the closed lid for two hours. Drink this remedy throughout the day in small portions. You can add 1 tsp to the finished infusion. honey

During treatment it is necessary to avoid stress conditions And emotional disorders which can provoke an attack. Doctors recommend keeping healthy image life and quit smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks. Also useful is breathing exercises, which has a general strengthening effect. At timely application see a doctor and follow all recommendations, the heart will work smoothly and clearly again.

What can you eat?

Heart rhythm disturbances are easier to avoid than to treat. The occurrence of atrial rhythm can also be provoked by poor nutrition. What can and cannot be consumed if your heart rhythm is abnormal?



The juice of carrots, beets and radishes is considered beneficial. You can drink juices every day for a month. If a short-term attack occurs, it is necessary to minimize the consumption of sugar and salt. Animal fats and foods containing cholesterol, such as caviar, should be excluded from the diet. egg yolk and meat. Strong coffee, tea and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.

You are allowed to eat foods that contain calcium and other useful microelements, such as beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, dairy products, honey, berries, seafood and fresh fruits. Porridge must be present in the diet. Include garlic, horseradish and onions in your menu. Coffee should be replaced with rosehip decoction, compote or herbal tea.

Proper work healthy heart Normally, sinus rhythm is affected. Its source is the main point of the conduction system - the sinoatrial node. But this doesn't always happen. If the center of automatism of the first level for some reason cannot fully perform its function, or it completely falls out of general scheme conducting pathways, another source of generation of contractile signals appears - ectopic. What is ectopic atrial rhythm? This is a situation in which electrical impulses begin to be produced by atypical cardiomyocytes. Specified muscle cells also have the ability to generate a wave of excitement. They are grouped into special foci called ectopic zones. If such areas are localized in the atria, then the sinus rhythm is replaced by the atrial rhythm.

Atrial rhythm is a type of ectopic contraction. Ectopia is anomalous location anything. That is, the source of excitation of the heart muscle does not appear where it is supposed to be. Such foci can form in any part of the myocardium, causing a disruption in the normal sequence and frequency of contractions of the organ. The ectopic rhythm of the heart is otherwise called a replacement rhythm, since it takes on the function of the main automatic center.

There are two possible types of atrial rhythm: slow (it causes a decrease in myocardial contractility) and accelerated (the heart rate increases).

The first occurs when sinus node blockade causes weak impulse generation. The second is the result of increased pathological excitability of the ectopic centers; it overlaps the main rhythm of the heart.

Abnormal contractions are rare, then they are combined with sinus rhythm. Or the pre-sulfur rhythm becomes the leading one, and the participation of the first-order automatic driver is completely canceled. Such violations can be typical for different time periods: from a day to a month or more. Sometimes the heart works constantly under the start of ectopic foci.

What is inferior atrial rhythm? Active atypical connections of myocardial cells can be located both in the left and right atrium, and in the lower parts of these chambers. Accordingly, lower right atrial and left atrial rhythms are distinguished. But when making a diagnosis, there is no particular need to distinguish between these two types; it is only important to establish that the excitatory signals come from the atria.

The source of impulse generation can change its location within the myocardium. This phenomenon is called rhythm migration.

Causes of the disease

Inferior atrial ectopic rhythm occurs under the influence of various external and internal conditions. A similar conclusion can be given to patients of all age categories. Such a malfunction in the functioning of the heart muscle is not always considered a deviation. Physiological arrhythmia, as a variant of the norm, does not require treatment and goes away on its own.

Types of disorders caused by lower atrial rhythm:

• tachycardia of paroxysmal and chronic nature;
• extrasystoles;
• flutters and fibrillation.

Sometimes the right atrial rhythm is no different from the sinus rhythm and adequately organizes the work of the myocardium. Such a failure can be detected completely by accident using an ECG at the next routine medical examination. At the same time, the person is completely unaware of the existing pathology.

The main reasons for the development of ectopic inferior atrial rhythm:

• myocarditis;
• weakness of the sinus node;
• high blood pressure;

• myocardial ischemia;
• sclerotic processes in muscle tissue;
• cardiomyopathy;
• rheumatism;
• heart defect;
• exposure to nicotine and ethanol;
• carbon monoxide poisoning;
• side effects of medications;
• congenital feature;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• diabetes.

Inferior atrial rhythm in children can be either congenital or acquired. In the first case, the child is already born with the presence of ectopic foci. This is the result oxygen starvation during childbirth or as a consequence of abnormalities intrauterine development. Functional immaturity of cardio-vascular system, especially in premature babies, is also the cause of the formation of an ectopic rhythm. Such disorders can normalize on their own with age. However, such babies need medical supervision.

Another situation - adolescence. During this period, boys and girls experience major changes in organism,
hormonal background is disrupted, the sinus heart rhythm may be temporarily replaced by the atrial rhythm. With the end of puberty, all health problems usually end. In adults, hormonal problems may be associated with aging (for example, menopause in women), which also affects the appearance of ectopic heart rhythms.

Professional sports can also be considered as a cause of the development of atrial rhythm. This symptom is a consequence of degenerative processes in the myocardium that occur under the influence of excessive stress in athletes.

Symptoms

Inferior atrial abnormal rhythm may develop asymptomatically. If signs of cardiac dysfunction are present, they will reflect the disease that caused this condition.

• A person begins to feel contractions of the myocardium and “hear” its tremors.
• The number of minute beats of the organ is growing.
• The heart seems to “freeze” for a while.
• There is increased sweat production.
• A dark, continuous veil appears before your eyes.
• My head suddenly began to spin.
• The skin became pale and blue tint on lips and fingertips.
• It became difficult to breathe.
• Pain appeared in the chest area.

• Frequent urination bothers me.
• A person experiences strong fear in all my life.
• Nausea or vomiting may occur.
• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Fainting develops.

Short attacks take the patient by surprise, but end as quickly as they begin. Often such rhythm disturbances occur at night during sleep. A person wakes up in panic, feeling tachycardia, chest pain or heat in the head.

Diagnostics

The presence of atrial rhythm can be detected based on data obtained during an ultrasound of the heart or an electrocardiogram.

Since pathology can manifest itself from time to time, and often this happens at night, to obtain a more complete clinical picture Holter ECG monitoring is used. Special sensors are attached to the patient’s body and record changes occurring in the heart chambers around the clock. Based on the results of such a study, the doctor draws up a protocol for monitoring the state of the myocardium, which makes it possible to detect both daytime and nighttime paroxysms of rhythm disturbances.

Transesophageal electrophysiological examination, coronary angiography, and ECG recording under stress are also used. A standard analysis of biological fluids of the body is required: general and biochemical research blood and urine.

Signs on the electrocardiogram

ECG is accessible, simple and sufficient in an informative way obtaining data about various violations heart rate. What does the doctor evaluate on the cardiogram?

1. The state of the P wave, reflecting the process of depolarization (appearance of an electrical impulse) in the atria.
2. The P-Q region demonstrates the features of the excitation wave traveling from the atria to the ventricles.
3. The Q wave marks initial stage ventricular excitation.
4. The R element displays the maximum level of ventricular depolarization.
5. The S tooth indicates the final stage of propagation of the electrical signal.
6. The QRS complex is called the ventricular complex; it shows all stages of the development of excitation in these sections.
7. Element T registers the decline phase electrical activity(repolarization).

Using the available information, the specialist determines the characteristics of the heart rhythm (frequency and periodicity of contractions), the source of impulse generation, the location electrical axis heart (EOS).

The presence of atrial rhythm is indicated by the following signs on the ECG:

• negative P wave with unchanged ventricular complexes;
• the right atrial rhythm is reflected by the deformation of the P wave and its amplitude in additional leads V1-V4, the left atrial rhythm - in leads V5-V6;
• teeth and intervals have increased duration.

EOS displays electrical parameters of cardiac activity. The position of the heart as an organ with a three-dimensional volumetric structure can be represented in a virtual coordinate system. To do this, the data obtained by the electrodes during the ECG is projected onto a coordinate grid to calculate the direction and angle of the electrical axis. These parameters correspond to the localization of the excitation source.

Normally, it has a vertical (from +70 to +90 degrees), horizontal (from 0 to +30 degrees), intermediate (from +30 to + 70 degrees) position. A deviation of the EOS to the right (over +90 degrees) indicates the development of an ectopic abnormal right atrial rhythm; a deviation to the left (up to -30 degrees and further) are indicators of a left atrial rhythm.

Treatment

Treatment measures will not be required if the adult or child does not experience any discomfort when an anomaly has developed, and they have not been diagnosed with heart or other diseases. The occurrence of atrial rhythm in this situation is not dangerous to health.

Otherwise, the therapeutic effect is carried out in the following directions:

1. Accelerated pathological atrial rhythm is treated with beta blockers (Propranalol, Anaprilin) ​​and other drugs that reduce heart rate.
2. For bradycardia, medications are prescribed that can accelerate the slow rhythm: drugs based on atropine, sodium caffeine benzoate, and plant extracts (Eleutherococcus, ginseng).
3. Vegetative-vascular disorders that cause ectopic rhythm require treatment sedatives“Novopassit”, “Valocordin”, motherwort tinctures, valerian.
4. To prevent heart attack, it is proposed to use Panangin.
5. Besides antiarrhythmic drugs(“Novocainamide”, “Verapamil”), for irregular rhythm is prescribed specific treatment upon establishing the specific cause of the violations that have developed.
6. In severe cases that are not amenable to standard drug treatment, cardioversion and installation of an artificial pacemaker are used.

Traditional methods

Atrial rhythm, as one of the types of cardiac dysfunction, requires constant monitoring doctor Even the absence alarming symptoms- no reason to be negligent similar condition. If the development of ectopic contractions is caused by diseases, it is imperative to find out the cause of the pathology and treat it with all seriousness. Launched severe forms atrial arrhythmias can threaten human life.