The sudden increase in heart rate, it turns out, also has its own medical name, and quite uneasy. Paroxysmal tachycardia - this is the name of this disease. There are several different forms of tachycardia, which, although they appear the same, differ from each other. Than the forms of paroxysmal tachycardia differ, and as with them it is possible to struggle, it is important to know those who have a "naughty" heart from time to time.
Paroxysmal ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia
Paroxysmal tachycardia is a sudden increase in the rhythm of the heartbeat. The tachycardia attack ends as suddenly as it begins, and usually lasts for several minutes. During a paroxysmal tachycardia, the pulse can increase two or even three times and reach 140-150 beats per minute.
There are several basic forms of paroxysmal tachycardia:
- atrial;
- atrioventricular;
- ventricular.
The first two are often combined by physicians into one, the so-called supraventricular (supraventricular) form of paroxysmal tachycardia.
Ventricular tachycardia is considered the most dangerous type of arrhythmia of all existing today. Because of it, ventricular fibrillation can actually occur, which in turn leads to a cessation of blood circulation and death, if not to carry out resuscitation measures in time.
Symptoms of paroxysmal tachycardia can be observed in children and adults. The problem for everyone is the same. What is true, some patients do not notice that the heart beats too much, instead experiencing a sharp deterioration in well-being: there is weakness, nausea, dizziness. Paroxysmal tachycardia is clearly visible on the ECG , when the sinusoid of the heart rhythm becomes too thick.
Although this problem may seem harmless and not dangerous at first glance, but anyone who has experienced a tachycardia attack would not be prevented from being examined by a cardiologist - just in case.
The causes of paroxysmal tachycardia
Factors affecting the occurrence of paroxysmal tachycardia can be very high. The most common of these is premature cardiac contraction, which arises from an electrical impulse in the atrium.
There are other causes of paroxysmal tachycardia:
- disorders in the endocrine system;
- problems with the composition of blood (changes in the composition of macroelements, the amount of calcium, potassium, chlorine);
- a temporary lack of oxygen in the heart.
In addition, sharply increased palpitation can stress and excessive physical exertion.
Treatment and first aid for paroxysmal tachycardia
If paroxysmal tachycardia attacks are rare, then no treatment is not necessary. Most likely, these were the consequences of the stress experienced or a difficult working day. You can begin to experience it when the seizures are repeated with unenviable persistence.
In some, the heartbeat normalizes itself so quickly,
Help with tachycardia can such activities:
- Neck massage quickly restores the heart. Correct massage (under the angle of the lower jaw) stimulates the carotid artery, and the arrhythmia stops.
- You can lower your face into the icy water for a few seconds.
- Help and pressure on the sleepy node. This massage should be stopped immediately, as soon as the attack recedes.
There are also special medications that stop tachycardia:
- Adenosine;
- Verapamil and others.
Most of them are administered intramuscularly.