Normally, the heart rate is calculated by the formula 72 plus or minus 12, which means that it is within the range of 60 to 94 cuts per minute. If the frequency of contractions is less than 60 - this is called bradycardia , and above 95 - tachycardia. The easiest way to determine the frequency of contractions on the pulse of a person: the contraction of the heart muscle is transmitted through the walls of the arteries and it can be felt under the fingers on the wrist.
Tachycardia in pregnant women - causes
In pregnant women, the heart rate (HR) at rest does not differ from normal parameters, and increases by 10-15 reductions per minute for physical activity. Tachycardia during pregnancy is the acceleration of the heart rate (pulse acceleration) above 100 beats per minute at rest. Become the cause of tachycardia can:
- overweight and excessive growth in pregnancy;
- the changed position of the heart in connection with the growth of the uterus, pressure on the vessels (reflex influence), displacement of the abdominal cavity organs and pressure on the diaphragm;
- diseases of the thyroid gland, which are accompanied by excessive development of its hormones;
- anemia of pregnant women;
- increased body temperature (heart rate increases by 10 beats per degree of temperature increase);
- bronchial asthma ;
- inflammatory lung diseases;
- dehydration of the body (with toxicoses accompanied by repeated vomiting);
- severe bleeding (especially with ectopic pregnancy, premature placental abruption, severe injuries);
- severe infections, sepsis;
- reactions to medications (allergy, vitamin overdose, side effects of drugs);
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- increased excitability of the nervous system;
- bad habits (nicotine, coffee, etc.)
Sinus and paroxysmal tachycardia in pregnant women
Sinus tachycardia in pregnancy is accompanied by a constant increase in cardiac contractions while maintaining their normal rhythm. Paroxysmal (paroxysmal) tachycardia is characterized by attacks of acceleration of heart rate from 140 to 220 per minute with normal rhythm, sudden onset and disappearance, between which the heart rate usually returns to normal.
Tachycardia during pregnancy - symptoms
The main symptom of tachycardia is an increase in the heartbeat of the mother. But often it adds to the pain in the heart, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, numbness of body parts, fainting, excessive fatigue, anxiety.
Treatment of tachycardia in pregnancy
Sinus tachycardia, which is accompanied by a heart rate increase of 20-30 beats per minute under the load, disappears at rest or after rest, usually does not require treatment. Rare attacks of paroxysmal therapy are also common in overly suspicious, anxious women, it is usually enough to calm down and even sedation is not required.
Many women worry whether tachycardia is dangerous during pregnancy, but the acceleration of the heart improves the blood supply to the fetus, access to it oxygen and nutrients. But if the tachycardia does not go away or is accompanied by other symptoms, you need to see a doctor.
To distinguish pathological tachycardia from the physiological one can exclude all diseases and causes that could cause pathological tachycardia.
What is dangerous for tachycardia in pregnancy?
Often tachycardia only worsens the quality of life of a pregnant woman and completely disappears after childbirth. If the tachycardia during pregnancy is associated with other diseases, especially with the vices and heart disease of a pregnant woman, this can be a threat to the life of not only the fetus, but also the mother, causing premature birth and complications during childbirth. Therefore, with tachycardia, it is necessary to examine a woman in order to take into account any possible risks for the mother and child in the future.