Frequent extrasystole. Extrasystole of the heart - disruption of the heart rhythm
One type of heartbeat disorder is called extrasystole. It occurs even in young children. How to treat extrasystole, what causes this disease, what are the features of its treatment? You will find answers to these questions in this article.
Characteristics of the disease
Extrasystole of the heart is a type of arrhythmia in which extraordinary contractions of this organ are observed. It is the most common type of heart rhythm disorder. The contractions themselves are called extrasystoles. Failures are a consequence of the fact that premature excitation occurs in the myocardium (or some of its parts). When a healthy heart works, electrical impulses are generated in a specific part of the heart called the sinus node. The heartbeat remains normal. During extrasystole, excitation signals to the myocardium come from areas located outside the sinus node. As a result, the heart contracts prematurely, then there is a pause, which can be compared to freezing, and later the next beat occurs. There are several types of extrasystole, each of them is described below.
Causes
What causes a disease such as extrasystole? The causes of the disease can be varied. Here are the main factors:
- emotional stress;
- frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- smoking;
- hypertension, or high blood pressure;
- abuse of energy drinks, coffee and strong tea;
- physical fatigue;
- hormonal changes in the female body during pregnancy or menopause.
The first four reasons in this list are caused by so-called functional extrasystoles, which do not require treatment and are eliminated on their own after the influence of the factor ceases. Sometimes the disorder is a consequence of eating, which is not at all dangerous. It also happens that atrioventricular extrasystole makes itself felt during sleep. This suggests that its cause is the influence of the vagus nerve on the functioning of the heart. This picture is often observed in diseases of the intestines, esophagus, gall bladder, prostate cancer, and pathologies of the uterus. Frequent extrasystole can be a consequence of various diseases of the cardiovascular system, in such cases it is called organic. In this case, an area of electrical heterogeneity appears in the heart muscle (myocardium). This condition can be caused by the following pathologies:
- heart disease, which is accompanied by necrosis and ischemia;
- inflammatory and dystrophic changes in the myocardium;
- toxic effect medicines, for example, when taking cardiac glycosides;
- endogenous, or internal, intoxication caused by infectious and somatic diseases - hepatitis, thyrotoxicosis and others.
Extrasystole in children can be observed both at rest and as a result of stress. This may be a consequence of the child’s body being overtired.
Types of disease according to the number of foci of excitation
Extrasystole, the causes of which are discussed above, has several varieties. Polytopic extrasystole is characterized by the presence of several foci of excitation in the heart. This is a rather dangerous type of disorder that can develop into a fatal arrhythmia. If an electrical impulse occurs in one place, then the extrasystole is called monotopic. It also happens that the correct, systolic focus of excitation coexists with the focus that causes extrasystole, which will be called parasystole.
Types of disease according to the location of the foci of excitation
Depending on the location of the foci of impulse occurrence, two types of extrasystole are distinguished:
- supraventricular;
- ventricular
The first type includes atrioventricular and atrial extrasystole. Supraventricular extrasystole is observed in both adults and children. At the same time, this type of arrhythmia caused by functional factors is quite common in children and people under 50 years of age. In this case, the extrasystoles that occur are mostly single, and the heart rate is characterized by bradycardia (slow pulse, beats per minute less than normal). In patients over 50 years of age, organic supraventricular extrasystoles most often occur, which is characterized by multiple extrasystoles. At this age, arrhythmia is accompanied mainly by tachycardia or increased heart rate. Supraventricular extrasystole is often observed even in healthy newborn babies.
Atrial extrasystole is characterized by the following movement of the impulse: atrium (here it arises) → up into the sinus node → down again into the ventricle. This is the rarest type of cardiac arrhythmia, and is usually caused by organic lesions of this vital organ: coronary heart disease, mitral valve prolapse, pericarditis, congestive heart failure. However, functional reasons can also be factors in the development of atrial extrasystole. These include intoxication, alcohol, coffee, etc. In patients with mitral valve pathology, atrial extrasystole can be regarded as a condition preceding the development of atrial fibrillation.
Atrioventricular extrasystole is a rare type of arrhythmia. It is characterized by the fact that the impulse arises in the tissue of the conduction system located at the border of the ventricles and atria. This extrasystole is called supraventricular. Signal movement can be carried out in the following way: from the atrioventricular node → down to the ventricles → to the atria → to the sinus node. The consequence of such a violation is that the blood entering the atria will return back to the veins. Atrioventricular extrasystole has three options:
- excitation in the atria occurs earlier than in the ventricles (this type differs little from atrial extrasystole);
- the formation of an impulse in the ventricles precedes its appearance in the atria;
- simultaneous stimulation of the right and left sides of the heart.
Ventricular extrasystole, the treatment and diagnosis of which requires special care and accuracy, is the most common type of heart rhythm disturbance. For the movement electrical impulse in the ventricles, a part of the conduction system of the heart is responsible, which is called the bundle branches. So, with ventricular extrasystole, foci of excitation can form anywhere without being transmitted to the atria. The danger of this disorder is that it often transforms into ventricular tachycardia, in which sudden attacks of rapid contraction of the ventricles occur, and acute heart failure can become a serious complication. Ventricular extrasystole is also dangerous during a heart attack, since foci of excitation are born in the myocardium, and the more extensive the infarction, the greater the number of impulse foci that can arise. A complication in this case is ventricular fibrillation.
Symptoms
So, quite a few varieties have such a disease as extrasystole. Symptoms of the disease depend on its type. For example, a single atrial extrasystole may not cause patient complaints and manifest itself as rare individual beats of the heart. With frequent or group extrasystoles, the signs are:
- increased heart rate;
- regular shortness of breath;
- angina pectoris;
- fatigue, muscle weakness.
Why is extrasystole dangerous? Symptoms of some forms of the disease can progress to heart failure. Timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of extrasystole (and each type of this disorder) has great value, since the disease is insidious with its complications. This is especially true for some types of extrasystole, which are caused by heart pathologies. The most undesirable complication in this case is fibrillation - ineffective contractions of the heart that occur chaotically and lead to death. Ventricular extrasystole is manifested by fading of the heart, a feeling of interruptions in its work and rare dizziness. The last symptom is due to the fact that blood is ejected from the ventricle with insufficient force when it contracts prematurely.
Extrasystole and osteochondrosis
Heart rhythm disturbances often develop against the background of osteochondrosis. This disease is characterized by pinching of the motor and sensory nerves emerging from the spinal cord. Extrasystole in osteochondrosis in most cases occurs as a consequence of stress and anxiety, disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and severe pain in the patient. In addition, arrhythmia may occur due to the patient taking medications for the treatment of osteochondrosis: among the side effects of taking some medications there is extrasystole. Heart rhythm disturbances in such cases can be dealt with by replacing the medication and using painkillers and tranquilizers.
Extrasystole and pregnancy
Women who are preparing to become mothers may experience any of the above-described types of extrasystole. The main reason for this is hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman. Many women are afraid, believing that extrasystole is a contraindication to childbirth. If there are no heart pathologies, then there is nothing to be afraid of. To eliminate arrhythmia, a calm psychological environment and the absence of physical and mental fatigue are sufficient. Those expectant mothers whose extrasystole is a consequence of any heart disease should be observed by a cardiologist throughout pregnancy.
Doctors can now measure the heart rate of a developing fetus. Arrhythmia is often detected in a child, and the occurrence of extrasystoles more often than every 10 heart beats is considered a deviation from the norm.
Diagnostics
Before prescribing treatment for extrasystole, it is diagnosed. First of all, the doctor examines the patient’s complaints - patients often note a feeling of constriction in the heart area and freezing during beats. After this, the most important way to diagnose this type of arrhythmia is electrocardiography. Extrasystole is clearly visible on the cardiogram - it is indicated by increased intervals between the nearest contractions.
In order to assign correct treatment extrasystoles, another diagnostic method is used - ultrasound. This method, for example, detects the presence of scars after a heart attack or fibrotic lesions of the valves. In this case, extrasystole is considered secondary. In such cases, the cardiologist builds a treatment plan in accordance with the underlying heart disease. As a rule, with adequate treatment of the main problem, the extrasystole disappears. In addition, it is necessary to conduct studies of the hormonal state of the body in order to identify or exclude disorders and changes in the functioning of the endocrine system, for example, the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Such tests are especially necessary for women.
In what cases should you go to the doctor?
A trip to the cardiologist’s office should not be postponed if you often feel discomfort in the chest, uneven heart function, constant noticeable tremors and fading, or short-term stoppages. These symptoms indicate either a certain type of extrasystole or another disease. In any case, it is necessary to identify the cause in order to eliminate it in a timely manner and prevent possible complications. If changes in heart function bother you often and regularly, contacting a cardiologist is mandatory.
Treatment with drugs
Treatment of atrioventricular extrasystole is mandatory for its organic varieties, that is, when the rhythm disturbance is caused by a disease present in the body. If the arrhythmia is functional, then no drugs are prescribed to eliminate it. It is enough to review your work schedule, get more rest, limit physical activity, eliminate sources of stress and overexertion, give up bad habits, sleep at least 8 hours a day, lose extra pounds and adhere to healthy eating rules. Antiarrhythmic medications are indicated if symptoms are intolerable, if there is a risk of developing ventricular fibrillation, or if the heartbeat is too fast. The latter phenomenon often causes the patient to be hospitalized.
Before prescribing the drug, the cardiologist carefully studies the etiology of the disorder and the frequency of contractions. Beta-blockers are the first drugs prescribed. Among them are Betaxolol, Propranol, Metoprolol and others. After taking these medications, calcium antagonists are indicated (such medications have the property of reducing atrioventricular conduction, thereby blocking the occurrence of a focus of excitation), for example, Verapamil. Antiarrhythmic drugs are used after treatment with the first two groups of drugs, and the attending physician can choose Disopyramide, Propafenone, Allapinin or another drug.
Ventricular extrasystole. Treatment of this type of disease is carried out not with medications, but with compliance healthy image life. Antiarrhythmic drugs may be needed only when the disorder takes a stable form. Lidocaine and Novocaiamide are often used intravenously. Beta-blockers for ventricular extrasystole are used at the discretion of the cardiologist, while measures to eliminate the underlying disease that caused the cardiac arrhythmia are considered important. Attacks of extrasystole can be caused by various factors - overfilling of the stomach or severe stress. In the latter case, taking antidepressants and tranquilizers helps. If the sensations are strong, call a doctor, as this may be a manifestation of more dangerous disease. Atrial extrasystole is overcome with the help of antiarrhythmic drugs of class 1A (Disopyramide, Quinidine sulfate) and class 1C (Ethmozin, Flecainide) in combination with calcium antagonists (Verapamil). Frequent extrasystole is considered the most insidious. If treatment medications doesn't bring positive results, then an alternative option is considered surgical intervention. The operation is called radiofrequency catheter ablation and is quite effective and in a safe way elimination of extrasystole. Ventricular extrasystole, which is treated correctly, goes away and no longer causes concern.
Folk remedies
Treatment of extrasystole with folk remedies should in no case be considered as the main therapy for the disease. We bring to your attention several recipes, the use of which is an auxiliary method of overcoming the problem.
There are still a huge number of recipes for combating extrasystole, but you must remember that they should never replace the treatment prescribed by a cardiologist.
Nutrition during extrasystole
It is important to include in your diet a large number of foods rich in potassium. Eat beans, dried apricots, seaweed, prunes, persimmons, potatoes (thoroughly washed baked ones with the skin on), walnuts and Pine nuts, cereals. Completely exclude coffee, alcoholic drinks, energy drinks, and Coca-Cola from the menu. It is better to give preference to green tea, herbal infusions, fruit and berry compotes. Eating a mixture of honey, figs, raisins, dried apricots and nuts will be of great benefit. Eat this salad three times a day, 1-2 teaspoons. If extrasystole has already been diagnosed, then the attending physician prescribes a special diet enriched with magnesium and potassium. When treating extrasystole, foods high in animal fats, spicy foods, and sweets are not recommended.
Important
Remember that self-medication for heart problems (as well as for all other diseases) is fraught with dangerous consequences. The first step you should take when you notice symptoms of extrasystole is to visit a cardiologist.
Extrasystole– the most common type of arrhythmia, characterized by extraordinary contractions of the entire heart or its individual parts.
Norm of extraordinary contractions (extrasystoles) up to two hundred ventricular and two hundred atrial per day.
Extrasystoles occur in both sick and absolutely healthy people. The most common etiology of extrasystoles is: mental stress, consumption of alcohol-containing drinks, caffeine-containing drinks.
Classification of extrasystoles
By nature of occurrence:
- Functional extrasystoles–
occur during normal heart function.
This type of arrhythmia appears in people as a consequence of disorders of the autonomic nervous system, the manifestation of diseases of the spine, as well as diseases of the digestive system and others. Predisposing factors may include mental stress, hypovitaminosis, consumption of caffeine-containing drinks, tea, alcohol-containing drinks, and smoking. - Organic extrasystoles– occur in heart diseases: myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), coronary heart disease, post-infarction cardiosclerosis, heart disease. Most often occur in people who have had a myocardial infarction.
By localization:
- Ventricular extrasystole or ventricular(about 63% of cases) – frequent extrasystole of the heart: the pathological focus of excitation is located only in the ventricles of the heart. It often occurs in diseases of the cardiovascular system: coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, cardiomyopathies.
- Supraventricular extrasystole (about 25% of cases) – the pathological focus of excitation is located in the atria of the heart, the impulse from the atria through the atrioventricular node is directed to the ventricles. Occurs with any cardiogenic pathology: ischemic heart disease, cardiac malformations, cardiac development anomalies, myocarditis, arterial hypertension.
- Atrioventricular (about 2% of cases) – the pathological focus of excitation is located in the atrioventricular node (Ashov-Tavara) between the ventricles and atria and spreads to the ventricles.
By frequency of occurrence:
- Bigemenia– after each one normal contraction, one extrasystole follows;
- Trigemeny– after 2 normal contractions there is one extrasystole;
- Quadrimenia– after 3 normal contractions there is one extrasystole;
- Allorhythmia – these are ordered extrasystoles following a certain number of sinus impulses and normal contractions.
Depending on the number of excitation sources:
- Monotopic – these are extraordinary contractions that come from one part of the heart and are characterized by the same coupling interval;
- Polytopic – These are extraordinary contractions that come from several parts of the heart and are characterized by different coupling intervals.
By frequency:
Classification of extrasystoles according to (J. T Bigger)
Extrasystoles are divided into three groups:
- Benign or (innocent) extrasystoles - they are characterized by no visible hemodynamic disturbances and no morphological changes in the heart. The prognosis is favorable.
- Malignant extrasystoles - they are characterized by persistent hemodynamic disturbances and morphological changes in the heart.
- Intermediate form - potentially dangerous extrasystoles - they are characterized by a disturbance in the structure of the heart, but without disturbance of hemodynamics.
Symptoms
Extrasystoles are not always clinically evident. It depends on the functional and morphological characteristics of the organism.
Most people do not feel this arrhythmia, but only accidentally detect it on electrocardiography:
- Feeling of interruptions behind the sternum (in the heart);
- Weakness;
- Dizziness;
- Malaise;
- Labored breathing;
- Restless state;
- Fear of dying;
- Panic attack.
The diagnosis is made based on:
Etiology of the disease
The reasons for the development of extrasystoles are varied:
- It can be like cardiac(various diseases of the heart itself) - this can be: ischemic heart disease (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction), heart failure, endomyocarditis, myocarditis, pericarditis, rheumatism, cardiac malformations, cardiac development abnormalities and others.
- Extracardiac causes(or reasons related outside the heart). First of all, these are large doses of certain medications such as antiarrhythmics, cardiac glycosides, and some diuretics, which have a large number of undesirable effects.
- Endocrine system diseases also have an important role in the development of extrasystoles, such as hyperthyroidism (or thyrotoxicosis - a disease of the thyroid gland), diabetes, disease of the adrenal glands. Changes in the composition of some microelements (salts) (potassium, sodium, magnesium).
- Drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking cigarettes, which have toxic effects. Concomitant pathology of such organs as the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, diverticula, colitis, enteritis, esophagitis, reflux disease, stomach and duodenal cancer, colon cancer, proctitis, gastric erosion), dorsopathies ( lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, subluxations, osteochondrosis).
- In addition to extra- and intracardial reasons development of extrasytolia, there are also idiopathic causes or the causes are unknown.
- Often extrasytols in children occur due to damage to the bicuspid valve (bicuspid valve prolapse).
Treatment of extrasystoles
The issue of treating extrasystoles is very complex.
When choosing antiarrhythmic treatment and its necessity, you need to rely on the table proposed by Bigger:
- Arrhythmias that have a benign course– extrasystoles and ventricular arrhythmias that do not cause hemodynamic disturbances, as well as the absence of structural disorders of the heart. The prognosis for such patients is often favorable, and they do not require antiarrhythmic treatment.
- Arrhythmias that have a malignant course– extrasystoles and ventricular arrhythmias causing hemodynamic disturbances, as well as structural changes in cardiac tissue, require etiological antiarrhythmic therapy.
- In young people with rare extrasytols there is no need to carry out specific antiarrhythmic treatment; when choosing treatment, it is enough to give preference to a sedative drug and follow all preventive measures.
When treating extrasystoles, you also need to give up smoking, alcohol, prolonged physical activity, avoid stressful situations, limit the consumption of tea, coffee, fatty and spicy foods.
In case of an overdose of cardiac glycosides, it is necessary to discontinue the glycoside, use potassium and defenin preparations and detoxify with unitol.
To treat extrasystoles, it is necessary to control potassium, iron, and magnesium ions in the blood, since with hypokalemia the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic drugs is significantly reduced.
Among the drugs, the most best effect have beta-blockers (propranolol, metoprolol, obzidan, oxprenolol, pindolol).
Doses of drugs are determined based on heart rate, body weight, side effects and contraindications are also taken into account:
- Propranolol Prescribe 20-40 mg 3-4 times a day for 10 days, then subsequently switch to maintenance doses of 20-40 mg per day. If the use of beta-blockers is impossible or is ineffective, the drug will be used verpamil 20-40 mg 3-4 times a day for 10 days.
- To prevent complications for extrasystoles with organic heart damage, monitor ECG recording is used for 3 days, and the drug etmozin 300-600 mg for 3-6 days 3-4 times a day, then a maintenance dose of 100-200 mg per day. Allapinin at a dose of 250 mg 3-4 times a day, maintenance therapy 2 times a day.
- Propaphenone 150 mg 3-4 times a day.
- Novacainamide at a dose of 250 mg 3-4 times a day, then a maintenance dose of 250 mg 2 times a day.
- Cordaron 600-800 mg for several weeks, maintenance dose at a dose of 200-300 mg for 5 days with breaks of 2 days.
- Sotalol prescribed individually, single dose up to 80 mg, daily dose up to 320 mg, with large doses it has pronounced side effects.
- When extrasystoles occur against the background of myocardial infarction assign 1% Lidocaine 5-20 ml in a stream or drip; bretylium has the same selective effect, which is administered intravenously at 300 mg every 6 hours. When cardiac output is low, glucagon is used, which has an antiarrhythmic effect.
When choosing an antiarrhythmic drug, it is necessary to take into account side effects, as well as contraindications for use.
What is the danger of the disease?
The danger of the disease lies in its complication, the transition to more dangerous types of arrhythmias, which can lead to the death of the patient; these can be atrial flutter, ventricular flutter, atrial fibrillation, atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation.
Prevention
Eventually
Extrasystole is a polyetiological disease, the morphological substrate of which is extraordinary contractions of the heart. The most common symptom is a subjective sensation of interruptions in the chest. The diagnosis is made based on the patient’s complaints, physical, laboratory, instrumental and additional examination methods. The reasons for extraordinary layoffs can be varied.
Therapy for low-symptomatic or rare types of extrasystoles does not require antiarrhythmic treatment; for more severe cases (organic extrasystoles, so-called malignant) it requires careful treatment taking into account the morphological characteristics of the human body and undesirable effects, as well as contraindications.
The danger of the disease lies in its complications, which in the future can lead to irreversible consequences.
It is better to prevent the disease, it is necessary that plant foods predominate in the diet, avoid conflicts, stress, give up smoking, alcohol, fatty foods, take vitamins, avoid heavy physical activity, and most importantly, do not self-medicate when the first signs of extrasystole appear and more Contact a specialist immediately!
Heart disease is not uncommon, regardless of age; it occurs due to lifestyle, poor diet, and regular stress. Our heart is a fibromuscular organ that ensures blood circulation, which is only possible with the right rhythm. Extrasystole is just one of these often invisible pathologies of the heart muscle at the first stage, which is a violation of the heart rhythm. It is often congenital and occurs in children.
- this is premature excitation and contraction of the heart and its parts due to impulses occurring outside their normal place of origin. The most common type of extrasystole is its particular form, arrhythmia. Extrasystole is determined mainly by ECG.
Classification of extrasystole
In medicine, there are several categories into which extrasystoles are divided: by reasons of occurrence, by localization and by the frequency of occurrence of extrasystoles (rhythm disturbances).According to localization, extrasystole occurs:
Supraventricular or superaventicular- extraordinary excitation of the atria with discharge of the sinus node. This type of extrasystole combines atrial and sinus extrasystoles from the atrioventricular junction.
Atrial – premature contraction of the heart from impulses from the atria;
Nodal (sinus) - premature impulses of sinus rhythm;
Ventricular– occurs due to premature excitations from the conduction system of the ventricles.
Extrasystole may be rare And frequent, more than 4 per 40 heartbeats, single or group, 2-5 in a row, and also salvo, 5-7 extrasystoles and in the form of allorhythmia, that is, alternating a complex of normal heartbeat with a complex of several extrasystoles in a row.
There are three types of allorhythms: bigeminy– extrasystole following each normal contraction, two normal ones - trigemyny, after three - quadrigeminy.
According to world statistics, about 67% of people of different ages are susceptible to extrasystole.
- The following statistics are noted on the frequency of occurrence of ecstasistroles:
sinus - the rarest form, 0.2% of the total number of disorders;
atrial extrasystoles – 25%;
ventricular – 62%;
atrioventricular about 2%;
a combination of several types at once – 10.8%.
According to the number of sources of extrasystole how the disease is divided into types such as polytropic, that is multiple And monotropic or single.
According to the number of extrasystoles that occurred within an hour, ventricular extrasystole, as the heaviest, they are divided into 6 groups according to the classification of scientists Laun and Wolf.
1. up to 30 extrasystoles per hour of monitoring;
2. more than 30 extrasystoles per hour;
3. polymorphic extrasystole;
4. a. steam extrasystole;
b. group extrasystoles leading to ventricular tachycardia;
5. early ventricular extrasystoles of type R on T (according to electrocardiogram data).
Categories 4a, 4b, 5 by medical standards are high-grade extrasystoles, that is, they can be life-threatening due to the triggering of pathologies such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, and then to cardiac arrest
According to etiology, extrasystole is divided for the following types:
- organic– the most complex and serious type of heart rhythm disturbances caused by trophic changes in the myocardium, coronary disease or heart defects, coronary insufficiency and cardiosclerosis;
- toxic– associated with pathological changes in tissues and metabolic disorders in the heart muscle due to the effects of alcohol, coffee, medications and other toxic and narcotic drugs;
- functional or vegetative form - occurs in connection with neurogenic disorders, vegetative-vascular dysfunction, neuroses and strong psycho-emotional stress, in addition they are provoked by gastrointestinal pathologies, heartbeat disturbances are possible with osteochondrosis and hormonal imbalances;
- idiopathic- extrasystole in a healthy person, without specific reasons, occurs in the ventricular part of the heart.
All categories of extrasystoles can be diagnosed using echocardiography, but not all of them are noticeable, and some do not even require significant treatment. A cardiologist will help you understand the causes and prescribe effective treatment.
Signs and symptoms of extrasystole
Heart rhythm disturbances are quite common, even in healthy people, but for the most part they are a consequence of many pathological processes in the body, including injuries to the chest and severe cardiac diseases.It is not difficult to determine extrasystole, despite the fact that at the first symptoms it is practically not noticeable. Seizures are characterized by heart palpitations, freezing and painful sensations in the area of the heart. One of the main signs of arrhythmia is dizziness. 
With extrasystole, the pulse is disrupted; you can feel a premature wave with small stops. When listening to the chest, two premature sounds are observed above the heart, the first is enhanced, the second is weak.
Patients with cardiovascular pathologies experience extrasystole in the form of a sinking heart, a strong push and a rush of blood to the head.
Symptoms intensify after physical activity and sports, and are practically not noticeable at rest. But at the first signs of extrasystole, you should consult a doctor and do an ECG.
Complications caused by extrasystole
Extrasystole rarely appears out of nowhere, less than 1% of cases; most often, heart rhythm disturbances are a consequence of a serious illness.The appearance of extrasystole after the age of 40 most often indicates coronary atherosclerosis. Frequent group volley extrasystoles are a sign of myocardial infarction or myacarditis.
The most dangerous types include organic extrasystoles, as they cause complications in the form of myocardial infarction.
Over time, group extrasystoles can develop into more complex forms of heart rhythm disturbances: atrial flutter, paroxysmal tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. Ventricular extrasystole is dangerous due to the development of ventricular fibrillation and sudden death, that is, cardiac arrest.
Frequent extrasystoles lead to such consequences as heart failure and changes in the structure of the ventricles and their fibrillation, that is, irregular operation, which eventually leads to death.
Causes of extrasystole
There are many reasons for heart rhythm disturbances, from poor nutrition to cardiac pathologies such as ischemia and heart failure. Based on the factors, the following groups of causes of heart rhythm disturbances can be distinguished:Cardiac pathologies such as cardiosclerosis, stenosis of cardiac vessels, coronary insufficiency, heart defects, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, myocarditis;
toxic effects of alcohol, nicotine, caffeine;
dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the functions of breathing, digestion, and heartbeat;
medicinal reasons for uncontrolled use medicines, affecting the heart muscle;
hypoxia – oxygen starvation due to diseases such as bronchitis or anemia;
hormonal disorders(for example, diabetes mellitus);
idiopathic form of ventricular extrasystole in the absence of visible causes after examination.
The reason can be either one or several at once, as well as types of heart rhythm disturbances in one person. In children main reason extrasystoles are not heart disease, but disturbances of nervous regulation due to vegetative-vascular dystonia. During pregnancy, as the fetus grows, significant hormonal changes occur in the woman’s body, the load on the heart increases significantly, it moves upward due to the enlarged uterus, and the need for minerals increases significantly. All this in the absence total control a gynecologist and regular intake of vitamins can lead to ventricular extrasystole.
Diagnosis of extrasystole
To make an accurate diagnosis of extrasystole, you need to contact an experienced cardiologist. The first thing that is done at the appointment is to collect an anamnesis of previous diseases, heredity, as well as the patient’s existing health complaints. The next step is a general examination and listening to the heart with a phonendoscope to identify changes in the rhythm and heart rate. By tapping, the doctor determines changes in the size of the heart. Next, the cardiologist sends the patient for laboratory and hardware tests:General blood and urine tests, as well as hormone tests;
electrocardiogram (ECG);
Holter ECG (monitoring) - observation of heartbeats throughout the day using special device.
echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart);
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – is prescribed for an uninformative ECG and to identify diseases of other organs that cause cardiac arrhythmias.
Accurate diagnosis allows the cardiologist to navigate the causes of the disease, determine the type of extrasystole and prescribe adequate and effective treatment.
Treatment methods
Therapy for extrasystole is prescribed depending on the type, frequency and location of the heartbeat disorder. According to A.V. Suvorov, author of the book “Clinical Electrocardiogram”, “Single and rare extrasystoles do not require treatment. Frequent extrasystole significantly worsens cerebral and coronary circulation and reduces minute and stroke volume of blood.” If the patient does not have heart disease, it is sufficient preventive measures in the form of physical activity, adherence to a daily routine, fresh air and proper nutrition.In case of group, frequent and volley extrasystoles, hospital treatment and antiarrhythmic drugs are required. Treatment is primarily aimed at stopping the underlying disease that caused the heartbeat disorder. Almost all prescribed medications are aimed at slowing down the heart rate. But when the arrhythmia occurs against the background of bradycardia of the type of intercalary impulses, such drugs are inappropriate and can aggravate the situation. Therefore, it is extremely important to know the exact cause of the disorder and associated diseases.
For the treatment of ventricular and supraverticular extrasystoles, calcium blockers, coronary lytics, adrenolytic drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs and potassium drugs are prescribed to regulate the ionic balance of cells. When ischemia and hypoxia are combined, vitamins and fatty acids are prescribed to nourish the heart muscle.
There are also severe cases of extrasystole, when drug therapy is powerless, then surgeons enter the fight for the patient’s life. Such surgical interventions, such as radiofrequency catheter ablation of ectopic foci, that is, inserting a catheter tube into the atrium cavity and passing an electrode to cauterize the altered area of the heart. Open heart surgery is also performed with excision of ectopic foci where additional impulses occur. Surgery rhythm disturbances are often carried out with the treatment of the underlying pathology. Such timely assistance saves the patient’s life.
ethnoscience
It is often used to treat heart rhythm disorders, better known as arrhythmia. folk way use of various infusions and decoctions of plants and herbs. The following remedies, prepared at home, are most effective in the treatment of arrhythmia and tachycardia, as manifestations of extrasystole:An infusion of black radish with honey helps improve blood circulation;
lemon balm decoction is also effective for arrhythmia;
hawthorn in the form of a decoction or alcohol infusion helps with tachycardia and arrhythmia of all localizations;
a mixture of lemons, honey and apricots should be taken a tablespoon per day;
an infusion of lubstock root or mountain celery relieves heart pain;
To normalize the heartbeat during atrial fibrillation and tachycardia, a decoction of Adonis herb is used;
cleaning vessels from a mixture of garlic and lemon;
a very effective mixture of onions with an apple in between meals.
Treatment with folk remedies has excellent analgesic and sedative effects; it makes sense to take them for minor symptoms. But in cases where the cause of extrasystole is heart disease or the condition is accompanied by pain, you need to contact a cardiologist.
Prevention of extrasystole
Due to the fact that there are many reasons for the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias, but they all come down to poor lifestyle and nutrition, as well as stress, the recommendations for the prevention of extrasystrole are also quite simple and general. Firstly, normalizing sleep and rest patterns will strengthen the nervous system and allow you to become a more stress-resistant person. Sports, yoga, running, swimming will help strengthen the heart muscle and normalize blood circulation.Eat only healthy foods, remove cholesterol-producing trans fats from your diet, add as many fresh vegetables and fruits as possible that contain fiber, this will improve your metabolism and help reduce the use of medications. To avoid the toxic type of extrasystole, you should give up excessive consumption of alcohol, tea, coffee and smoking.
Most extrasystoles, like other cardiac pathologies, are acquired in nature; taking care of yourself and observing simple recommendations will help you avoid them and live as long and actively as possible.
– this is a variant of cardiac arrhythmia, characterized by extraordinary contractions of the entire heart or its individual parts (extrasystoles). It manifests itself as a feeling of a strong heartbeat, a feeling of a sinking heart, anxiety, and lack of air. Diagnosed based on the results of ECG, Holter monitoring, and stress cardio tests. Treatment includes eliminating the root cause, drug correction of heart rhythm; in some forms of extrasystole, radiofrequency ablation of arrhythmogenic zones is indicated.
ICD-10
I49.1 I49.2 I49.3
General information
Extrasystole is premature depolarization of the atria, ventricles, or atrioventricular junction, leading to premature contraction of the heart. Single episodic extrasystoles can occur even in practically healthy people. According to electrocardiographic studies, extrasystole is recorded in 70-80% of patients over 50 years of age. A decrease in cardiac output during extrasystole entails a decrease in coronary and cerebral blood flow and can lead to the development of angina pectoris and transient cerebrovascular accidents (fainting, paresis, etc.). Extrasystole increases the risk of developing atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death.
Causes of extrasystole
Functional extrasystole, which develops in practically healthy people for no apparent reason, is considered idiopathic. Functional extrasystoles include:
- rhythm disturbances of neurogenic (psychogenic) origin associated with food (drinking strong tea and coffee), chemical factors, stress, alcohol intake, smoking, drug use, etc.;
- extrasystole in patients with vegetative dystonia, neuroses, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, etc.;
- arrhythmia in healthy, well-trained athletes;
- extrasystole during menstruation in women.
Extrasystole of an organic nature occurs in case of myocardial damage due to:
- IHD, cardiosclerosis, myocardial infarction,
- pericarditis, myocarditis,
- chronic circulatory failure, cor pulmonale,
- sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, hemochromatosis,
- cardiac operations,
- In some athletes, the cause of extrasystole may be myocardial dystrophy caused by physical overstrain (the so-called “athlete’s heart”).
Toxic extrasystoles develop when:
- feverish conditions,
- proarrhythmic side effect some medications (aminophylline, caffeine, novodrine, ephedrine, tricyclic antidepressants, glucocorticoids, neostigmine, sympatholytics, diuretics, digitalis preparations, etc.).
The development of extrasystole is caused by a violation of the ratio of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium ions in myocardial cells, which negatively affects the conduction system of the heart. Physical activity can provoke extrasystoles associated with metabolic and cardiac disorders, and suppress extrasystoles caused by autonomic dysregulation.
Pathogenesis
The occurrence of extrasystole is explained by the appearance of ectopic foci of increased activity localized outside the sinus node (in the atria, atrioventricular node or ventricles). Extraordinary impulses arising in them spread throughout the heart muscle, causing premature contractions of the heart in the diastole phase. Ectopic complexes can form in any part of the conduction system.
The volume of extrasystolic blood ejection is lower than normal, so frequent (more than 6-8 per minute) extrasystoles can lead to a noticeable decrease in the minute volume of blood circulation. The earlier the extrasystole develops, the less blood volume accompanies the extrasystolic ejection. This, first of all, affects coronary blood flow and can significantly complicate the course of existing cardiac pathology.
Different types of extrasystoles have different clinical significance and prognostic characteristics. The most dangerous are ventricular extrasystoles that develop against the background of organic heart damage.
Classification
According to the etiological factor, extrasystoles of functional, organic and toxic origin are distinguished. According to the place of formation of ectopic foci of excitation, the following are distinguished:
- atrioventricular (from the atrioventricular junction - 2%),
- atrial extrasystoles (25%) and various options their combinations (10.2%).
- in extremely rare cases, extraordinary impulses come from the physiological pacemaker - the sinoatrial node (0.2% of cases).
Sometimes the functioning of the focus of ectopic rhythm is observed regardless of the main (sinus), while two rhythms are observed simultaneously - extrasystolic and sinus. This phenomenon is called parasystole. Extrasystoles that follow two in a row are called paired, more than two are called group (or salvo). There are:
- bigeminy- rhythm with alternation of normal systole and extrasystole,
- trigemyny– alternation of two normal systoles with an extrasystole,
- quadrigymenia- the following extrasystole after every third normal contraction.
Regularly recurring bigeminy, trigeminy and quadrigymeny are called allorhythmia. Based on the time of occurrence of an extraordinary impulse in diastole, early extrasystole is distinguished, recorded on the ECG simultaneously with the T wave or no later than 0.05 seconds after the end of the previous cycle; middle - 0.45-0.50 s after the T wave; late extrasystole developing before the next P wave of normal contraction.
According to the frequency of occurrence of extrasystoles, rare (less than 5 per minute), medium (6-15 per minute), and frequent (more than 15 per minute) extrasystoles are distinguished. According to the number of ectopic foci of excitation, extrasystoles are monotopic (with one foci) and polytopic (with several foci of excitation).
Symptoms of extrasystole
Subjective sensations during extrasystole are not always expressed. The tolerance of extrasystoles is more severe in people suffering from vegetative-vascular dystonia; patients with organic heart damage, on the contrary, can tolerate estrasystole much easier. More often, patients feel extrasystole as a blow, a push of the heart into the chest from the inside, caused by vigorous contraction of the ventricles after a compensatory pause.
Also noted are “tumbling or turning over” of the heart, interruptions and freezing in its work. Functional extrasystole is accompanied by hot flashes, discomfort, weakness, anxiety, sweating, and lack of air.
Frequent extrasystoles, which are early and group in nature, cause a decrease in cardiac output, and, consequently, a decrease in coronary, cerebral and renal circulation by 8-25%. Patients with signs of cerebral atherosclerosis experience dizziness, and transient forms of cerebral circulatory disorders (fainting, aphasia, paresis) may develop; in patients with coronary artery disease - angina attacks.
Complications
Group extrasystoles can transform into more dangerous rhythm disturbances: atrial - into atrial flutter, ventricular - into paroxysmal tachycardia. In patients with atrial overload or dilatation, extrasystole can develop into atrial fibrillation.
Frequent extrasystoles cause chronic insufficiency of coronary, cerebral, and renal circulation. The most dangerous are ventricular extrasystoles due to the possible development of ventricular fibrillation and sudden death.
Diagnostics
History and objective examination
The main objective method for diagnosing extrasystole is an ECG study, however, it is possible to suspect the presence of this type of arrhythmia during a physical examination and analysis of the patient’s complaints. When talking with the patient, the circumstances of the occurrence of arrhythmia are clarified (emotional or physical stress, in a calm state, during sleep, etc.), the frequency of episodes of extrasystole, and the effect of taking medications. Particular attention is paid to the history of past diseases that can lead to organic heart damage or their possible undiagnosed manifestations.
During the examination, it is necessary to find out the etiology of extrasystoles, since extrasystoles with organic heart damage require different treatment tactics than functional or toxic ones. When palpating the pulse on the radial artery, an extrasystole is defined as a prematurely occurring pulse wave followed by a pause or as an episode of pulse loss, which indicates insufficient diastolic filling of the ventricles.
When auscultating the heart during extrasystole, premature I and II sounds are heard above the apex of the heart, while the I tone is strengthened due to low filling of the ventricles, and the II sound is weakened as a result of a small ejection of blood into the pulmonary artery and aorta.
Instrumental diagnostics
The diagnosis of extrasystole is confirmed after an ECG in standard leads and daily ECG monitoring. Often, using these methods, extrasystole is diagnosed in the absence of patient complaints. Electrocardiographic manifestations of extrasystole are:
- premature occurrence of the P wave or QRST complex; indicating a shortening of the pre-extrasystolic coupling interval: with atrial extrasystoles, the distance between the P wave of the main rhythm and the P wave of the extrasystoles; with ventricular and atrioventricular extrasystoles - between the QRS complex of the main rhythm and the QRS complex of the extrasystoles;
- significant deformation, expansion and high amplitude of the extrasystolic QRS complex during ventricular extrasystole;
- absence of the P wave before the ventricular extrasystole;
- following a complete compensatory pause after a ventricular extrasystole.
Holter ECG monitoring is a long-term (over 24-48 hours) ECG recording using a portable device attached to the patient’s body. Registration of ECG indicators is accompanied by keeping a diary of the patient’s activity, where he notes all his sensations and actions. Holter ECG monitoring is performed for all patients with cardiac pathology, regardless of the presence of complaints indicating extrasystole and its detection with a standard ECG.
Forecast
The prognostic assessment of extrasystole depends on the presence of organic heart damage and the degree of ventricular dysfunction. The most serious concerns are caused by extrasystoles that developed against the background acute heart attack myocardium, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis. With pronounced morphological changes in the myocardium, extrasystoles can turn into atrial or ventricular fibrillation. In the absence of structural damage to the heart, extrasystole does not significantly affect the prognosis.
The malignant course of supraventricular extrasystoles can lead to the development of atrial fibrillation, ventricular extrasystoles - to persistent ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. The course of functional extrasystoles is usually benign.
Prevention
In a broad sense, the prevention of extrasystole involves the prevention of pathological conditions and diseases underlying its development: ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, myocardial dystrophy, etc., as well as the prevention of their exacerbations. It is recommended to exclude drug, food, and chemical intoxications that provoke extrasystole.
Patients with asymptomatic ventricular extrasystole and without signs of cardiac pathology, a diet enriched with magnesium and potassium salts, cessation of smoking, drinking alcohol and strong coffee, and moderate physical activity are recommended.
A certain number of extrasystoles per day is considered quite normal. In the absence of pathologies, this type of arrhythmia is not dangerous and develops under the influence of irritating factors. The clinical picture becomes noticeable when blood flow is disrupted against the background of an increase in the number of extraordinary (intercalated) contractions. To draw up a treatment plan, you will have to undergo a complete examination. Based on the cause of the irregular heartbeat, the doctor will be able to advise effective methods relief of the condition.
Extrasystole is a type of heartbeat irregularity. In humans, against the background of the usual cycles of contractions (systoles) of the atria and ventricles, extraordinary complexes appear. The signal comes from an ectopic (replacement) focus. During an attack, the patient feels interruptions in the functioning of the heart and experiences panic attacks.
Blood ejection due to intercalary contractions decreases, which is associated with insufficient diastolic filling of the heart. The resulting hemodynamic disruptions provoke neurological symptoms due to cerebral hypoxia and attacks of angina pectoris (heart pain) against the background of the development of ischemia.
According to ICD 10 revision, extrasystoles in the heart received code I49. The category “Other heart rhythm disturbances” is encrypted under it. The sub-item is selected depending on the location of the source of false impulses:
- atrial - 1;
- atrioventricular - I49.2;
- ventricular - I49.3.
Extrasystolic rhythm can appear even in the absence of health problems. According to statistics collected through electrographic research, intercalary contractions are actually recorded in 2/3 of people over 55 years of age. This trend is due to age-related changes and decreased tolerance to stress and physical activity.
Classification
Extrasystole is usually divided into certain groups according to the following criteria:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| By localization of the source of ectopic signals | supraventricular (supraventricular): o atrial: in the right atrium; in the left atrium. o atrioventricular. ventricular (ventricular): o right ventricular; o left ventricular. |
| By the number of insertion abbreviations | 1 – single; 2 – steam room; 3 or more – group. |
| By the presence of rhythm | chaotic contractions that do not have a clear order of occurrence; alloarrhythmia manifests itself with a certain rhythm through 1 (bigeminy), 2 (trigeminy) and 3 (quadrihymeny) contractions. |
| By period of manifestation | early contraction on the electrocardiogram (ECG) follows along with the T wave; middle systole comes after the T wave by 0.5 seconds; later intercalary contraction occurs during relaxation of the heart (diastole) before the usual P wave. |
| By frequency of occurrence (per 1 minute) | rare cases occur no more than 5-7 times; the average number of extrasystoles starts from 10-15; frequent extraordinary reductions are characterized by an indicator of 15 and above. |
| By the number of false outbreaks | monomorphic (monotopic) – impulses are created by 1 additional focus; polymorphic (polytopic) – signals come from 2 or more false sources. |
| By causal factor | organic (pathological); functional (physiological). |
The appearance of extrasystoles in the heart is not always associated with pathological processes in the body, so whether this condition is dangerous will be determined by the cause of the anomaly. Doctors prefer to divide arrhythmia into functional and organic forms. The first of them does not require treatment. It is enough to avoid irritating factors and remain at rest for a couple of hours. The second type of extrasystole threatens with dangerous consequences and can remain permanent. The attack is stopped with tablets with antiarrhythmic action. In severe cases, it is necessary to provide the patient with emergency assistance.
Etiology and pathogenesis of arrhythmia
You can see why extrasystole occurs in the table:
| View | Scroll |
|---|---|
| Functional | neuroses caused by frequent stress; smoking; disruptions in hormonal balance (menopause, pregnancy, puberty); non-compliance with healthy eating rules; drinking alcohol; the body's reaction to an increase in temperature; the influence of caffeine and energy drinks; constant physical overload; vegetative failures; osteochondrosis. |
| Organic | heart failure; ischemic disease; pathologies caused by infections; heart defects; diseases of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland; diabetes; autoimmune disorders; inflammatory diseases of the heart muscle. |
Osteochondrosis provokes various failures of the cardiovascular system. The reason is that the deformed vertebrae compress blood vessels and nerves. It is possible to get rid of the problem by taking anti-inflammatory drugs and doing physical therapy. Some cardiologists identify toxic and idiopathic extrasystoles. In the first case, arrhythmia occurs due to exposure to certain substances (medicines, chemicals, environment). The cause of the idiopathic failure cannot be identified. In the absence of organic lesions, it is equated to functional forms of extrasystole. Extrasystoles in many cases are a consequence of overeating, especially if the person lies on the bed immediately after eating. This situation enhances the predominance of the parasympathetic nervous system. The patient exhibits a mild form of bradycardia (pulse slows down). Extrasystoles occur against its background as compensation.
The main irritating factors can be divided by age and current situation:
- Extraordinary contractions in a child are often a consequence of heart defects. They can only be cured through surgery.
- Children in adolescence experience extrasystole against the background of the development of vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD). It is characterized by an abundance of neurological and cardiac signs. Medications are used as treatment to relieve nervous tension and improve blood circulation. Closer to adulthood, the disease usually goes away on its own.
- In pregnant women, arrhythmias occur due to increased blood volume and hormonal surges. A treatment regimen is usually not drawn up. It is enough to follow the rules of prevention.
- Heart failure among sports enthusiasts develops due to an incorrectly designed training program. It can be removed by adjusting the loads. An experienced trainer will help you solve the problem.
Clinical picture
Single extrasystoles do not have a significant effect on hemodynamics. Group and frequent intercalary contractions are more pronounced. The patient has a feeling of interruptions in the work of the heart (a sharp jolt followed by freezing), which is why it becomes scary and begins to develop panic attack. Arrhythmia is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- increasing weakness;
- lack of air;
- increased sweating;
- dizziness.
Consequences of arrhythmia
If treatment for extrasystole is not started in a timely manner, complications will gradually appear:
- atrial or ventricular fibrillation;
- heart failure;
- paroxysmal tachycardia;
- cardiac ischemia;
- myocardial infarction.
It will be virtually impossible to recover completely and return to sinus rhythm. Certain consequences will remain forever. The cause of complications lies in the gradation of the main pathological process and the aggravation of hemodynamic failures.
Diagnostic methods
If symptoms characteristic of intercalary contractions are detected, you should contact a cardiologist. He will interview the patient to find out about disturbing signs of failure and the presence of other pathologies. The specialist will then proceed to the examination. The systolic and diastolic pressure threshold will be measured, the pulse will be felt and auscultation will be performed. The last method is the most informative, as it allows you to hear abnormal tones associated with the occurrence of extrasystoles.
The data obtained is not enough to make a diagnosis, but it is enough to suspect arrhythmia and order electrocardiography (ECG):
- Atrial forms of arrhythmia are characterized by a decrease in the distance from the planned P wave to the premature P wave.
- The ventricular and atrioventricular type is characterized by a shortening of the segment from the main QRS complex to the pathological QRS complex.
- A compensatory pause appears after the intercalary ventricular complex and there is no P wave in front of it.
- Pathological changes in the premature QRS complex are observed.
Due to the intermittent nature of the arrhythmia, other ECG monitoring methods may be required:
- Bicycle ergometry is carried out to study the work of the heart at the time of physical overload.
- Daily monitoring using the Holter method is prescribed for a comprehensive assessment of the heartbeat over a 24-hour period.
To differentiate the causative factor, additional diagnostic methods may be recommended:
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- blood and urine tests;
- echocardiography;
- radiography.
Course of therapy
With extrasystole, symptoms and treatment have a certain connection. The treatment regimen is drawn up depending on the severity of the arrhythmia and the cause of development:
- Single extrasystoles do not require treatment. They can be removed by adjusting your lifestyle and avoiding irritating factors.
- Organic forms of heartbeat failure are eliminated by stopping the underlying pathological process.
- A neurologist will help stop the development of neurogenic extrasystoles. As treatment, he will prescribe sedatives and folk remedies with a sedative and diuretic effect.
- Intercalary contractions that occur as a result of taking medications can only be stopped by discontinuing drug therapy. The doctor will adjust the dosage or recommend other medications.
Drug therapy is determined by the presence of more than 200 extrasystoles per day, the clinical picture of hemodynamic failure and heart disease. For use at home, your doctor may recommend the following groups of medications:
- beta blockers (“Flestrolol”, “Concor”);
- calcium antagonists (Nitrendipine, Diltiazem);
- sodium channel blockers:
- IA (“Disopyramide”, “Gilurythmal”);
- IB (“Trimecain”, “Tocainide”);
- IC (“Bonnekor”, “Propanorm”).
- cardiac glycosides (Digoxin, Korglykon).
The attending physician selects the tablets based on the diagnostic results and the patient’s condition. A dose reduction is permissible after 1-2 months, but subject to a decrease in the frequency of intercalary contractions. Lifelong use of tablets is necessary for the treatment of malignant forms of arrhythmia.
The operation is performed if there is no result from drug therapy and there is a high probability of complications:
- Radiofrequency ablation is prescribed to cauterize the source of false impulses.
- Installation of a pacemaker is recommended when extrasystole is combined with atrial fibrillation and other serious types of heartbeat disturbances.
Forecast
The forecast is given based on the reason for the extraordinary cuts. The situation is unfavorable in the presence of organic lesions associated with necrosis or inflammation of the membranes of the heart muscle. Such structural changes increase the likelihood of atrial fibrillation and severe hemodynamic disturbances. Functional forms of extrasystole are not particularly dangerous and rarely cause complications. The chances of a full recovery increase significantly if arrhythmia is detected in a timely manner and all doctor’s recommendations are followed.
Prevention
To prevent the development of extrasystole, it is recommended to avoid diseases, irritating factors and pathological conditions that can disrupt the functioning of the heart. A reliable measure of prevention will be lifestyle correction:
- strengthen your heart by getting moderate cardio exercise;
- to refuse from bad habits;
- get enough sleep (7-8 hours a day);
- saturate your diet with foods rich in magnesium and potassium;
- avoid stress;
- reduce consumption of coffee and strong tea;
- reduce physical activity;
- undergo a full examination every year.
Extrasystole is manifested by extraordinary contractions of certain parts of the heart muscle. According to the causal factor, it is divided into organic and functional forms. The first type is characterized by a severe course and a high probability of complications. The course of treatment for such a malfunction in the heartbeat is aimed at eliminating the underlying pathological process and normalizing hemodynamics. Functional arrhythmia goes away on its own and does not require treatment. To prevent attacks, it is enough to avoid irritating factors.