The pulse directly depends on the rate of the heart. The higher this indicator, the more the heart is loaded, the faster it pumps blood and oxygen. What can cause heart palpitations and how dangerous is it? Let's try to figure it out.

Pulse indicators

The pulse is characterized by several values.

Frequency - the number of beats per minute. It must be measured correctly. The pulse in the sitting position and in the supine position may differ. Therefore, when measuring, use the same pose, otherwise the data obtained may be misinterpreted. Also, the frequency increases in the evening. Therefore, do not be alarmed if in the morning its value is 75, and in the evening 85 is a normal phenomenon.

Important! The pulse is measured for 60 seconds. Not 30, and then multiplied by 2, namely 60! Because if there is an arrhythmia, then the minute is exactly the period in which it will certainly manifest itself.

Rhythm - if the interval of time between adjacent beats is different, then there is an arrhythmia.

Filling - characterizes the difficulty of detecting the pulse, depends on the volume of blood distilled by the heart at a time. If it is difficult to feel, it indicates heart failure.

Tension - is characterized by the effort that must be applied to feel the pulse. Depends on the blood pressure.

Height - characterized by the amplitude of fluctuations in the arterial walls, a rather complicated medical term. It is important not to confuse height and heart rate, they are completely different concepts. The reason for the high pulse (not rapid, but high!) In most cases, is the malfunction of the aortic valve.

Rapid pulse: causes

The first and main reason, as in the case of many other diseases, is a sedentary lifestyle. The second is a weak heart muscle, which is not able to maintain normal blood circulation even with light physical exertion.

In some cases, a fast pulse may be normal. This happens in old age and during the first years of life. So, in newborn babies, the heart rate is 120-150 beats per minute, which is not a deviation, but is associated with rapid growth.

Often, a frequent pulse is a symptom of tachycardia, if it manifests itself in a calm state of the human body.

Tachycardia may result from:

• fever;
• Improper functioning of the nervous system;
• Endocrine system disorders;
• Poisoning the body with toxins or alcohol;
• Stress, nervousness;
• oncological diseases;
• cachexia;
• anemia;
• Myocardial damage;
• infectious diseases.

Antidepressants should be used with caution. Incorrectly selected drug can cause rapid heart rate

Factors that can cause a rapid pulse:

• insomnia or nightmares;
• The use of drugs and aphrodisiacs;
• The use of antidepressants;
• The use of drugs that stimulate sexual activity;
• Constant stress;
• alcohol abuse;
• Overwork;
• Excess weight;
• High blood pressure;
• Cold, SARS or flu.

When can a fast heart rate be considered normal?

There are several conditions of the body when a high heart rate may not be an alarm, but a normal phenomenon:

• Age - as they grow older, the frequency decreases, in children it can be 90-120 beats per minute;
• Physical development - in people whose body is trained, the heart rate is higher compared to those who lead a less active lifestyle;
• Late pregnancy.

High temperature and heart rate are also directly related. It was experimentally revealed that with an increase in body temperature by 1 degree, the pulse becomes more frequent by 10 beats per minute.

Tachycardia

Revealing the causes of a frequent pulse, it is impossible not to tell in detail about tachycardia. Rapid pulse is one of its main symptoms. But tachycardia itself does not occur out of the blue, you need to look for the disease that caused it. There are two large groups of these:

• Cardiovascular diseases;
• Diseases of the endocrine system and hormonal disorders.

Whatever the cause of tachycardia, it must be identified and treated immediately. Currently, unfortunately, cases of paroxysmal tachycardia, which is accompanied by:

• dizziness;
• Acute pain in the chest in the region of the heart;
• Fainting;
• Shortness of breath.

Tachycardia interferes with normal heart function

The main group of people susceptible to this disease are alcoholics, heavy smokers, people who take drugs or strong medications for a long time.

There is a separate type of tachycardia that healthy people can suffer from, it is called neurogenic, associated with disorders of the peripheral and central nervous system, which leads to a deterioration in the function of the conduction system of the heart, and, as a result, a rapid pulse.

Rapid pulse with normal blood pressure

If the pressure does not disturb, but the pulse goes off scale - this is an alarming signal and a good reason to visit a doctor. In this case, the doctor will prescribe an examination to identify the cause of the frequent heartbeat. As a rule, the cause is a thyroid disease or a hormonal imbalance.

An attack of rapid heart rate at normal pressure can be nullified, for this you need:

• Cough;
• Pinch yourself;
• blow your nose;
• Wash with ice water.

Treating heart palpitations

If the heartbeat is frequent due to high temperature, then antipyretic drugs and methods will help.

In the event that the heart is ready to jump out of the chest due to excessive physical exertion, it is worth stopping and resting for a while.

Acupressure in the neck area is a very effective remedy. But an experienced person should do it, massaging the area of ​​​​the pulsation of the carotid artery from right to left. Violating the sequence, you can bring a person to a fainting state.

Acupressure of the neck is effective for a tachycardia attack, but must be performed by a professional

There are medications that help reduce heart rate:

• Corvalol;
• Vaocordin;
• Hawthorn tincture.

Folk remedies in the fight against rapid heart rate

1. 1 teaspoon of celandine and 10 grams of dried hawthorn pour a glass of boiling water, insist well.
2. Mix 1 share of chokeberry juice, 3 shares of cranberry juice, 2 shares of carrot juice and 2 shares of alcohol. Squeeze 1 lemon into the mixture.
3. Incredibly effective mixture of lemon and honey. It is necessary to take 1 kg of lemons, 1 kg of honey, 40 apricot pits. Grate the lemons, peel and crush the pits. Mix everything with honey.

A fast pulse can be the cause of many diseases. Timely identified disease is the key to its successful treatment!

Our heart is designed in such a way that when any physical or emotional stress (stress) occurs, it must pump more blood to meet the oxygen demand of skeletal muscles. This is necessary because the “animal”, biological part of human nature, under stress, follows the ancient principle of “fight, fear, run” in order to survive. To do this, the heart begins to contract more often, thus increasing the pumped blood. Occurs, or an increase in heart rate of more than 90 beats per minute, which may or may not be felt by the person in the form of a feeling of rapid heartbeat.

rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) on an ECG

But, not always increased heart rate is a normal physiological response of the body to the load, since it can occur at rest and be the result of a functional or organic pathology of the cardiovascular system.

Causes of palpitations

Among all the conditions that can cause a rapid heart rate, one can single out physiological, that is, acting temporarily with independent restoration of normal heart rate, and pathological, that is, having various disorders of the heart or other organs as their basis.

Physiological causes

1. Physical activity - running, fast long walking, swimming, playing sports,
2. Psycho-emotional stress - acute and chronic stress, panic attack, severe fear, mental strain,
3. Strong emotions - anger, joy, rage, etc.
4. Pregnancy - due to a general increase in blood volume in the body of a pregnant woman, as well as due to an increased load on her heart, an increase in heart rate occurs that does not require treatment if no other pathological causes are identified, and the woman tolerates a frequent rhythm satisfactorily.

Pathological conditions

1) Cardiology

a) Functional dysregulation of the CCC:

• , ) - violations of the regulation of vascular tone, resulting in a reflex increase in heart rate,
• (pacemaker), which manifests itself,
• Sudden level changes (within the VVD, that is, due to the functional characteristics of the body), as a result of which the heart reflexively responds with an accelerated rhythm in response to reduced pressure.

b) Organic myocardial damage:

• , acute or transferred some time ago,
• , congenital or acquired nature,
• , especially long-term, or with high blood pressure numbers,
• , that is, the formation of scar tissue in place of a normal heart muscle, for example, after myocardial inflammation () or acute myocardial infarction,
• - diseases accompanied by a change in the structure of the heart muscle - (increase in mass of the myocardium) or (thinning of the heart muscle and expansion of the heart cavities).

With such diseases, palpitations can be manifested by tachycardia, when the heart contracts often, but correctly, as well as atrial fibrillation or other types, when the rhythm is frequent and irregular, that is, the heart contracts irregularly.

2) Non-cardiac

Diseases of other organs and systems:

1. Diseases of the thyroid gland, in particular, an autoimmune lesion or goiter, accompanied by an increased level of hormones in the blood - hyperthyroidism,
2. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, gastric ulcer, diaphragmatic hernia, etc.,
3. Diseases of the bronchopulmonary system - chronic obstructive bronchitis, bronchial asthma, especially if the patient uses inhalers, the active substance of which increases the heart rate (berodual, salbutamol, berotek, etc.),
4. Fever,
5. Acute infectious and purulent diseases,
6. Alcoholic, nicotine, narcotic and other types of intoxication,
7. acute poisoning,
8. Eating disorders with dystrophy,
9. , mediastinum, the terminal stage of oncological processes in the body,
10. Many types of shock (burn, traumatic, hemorrhagic, etc.).

Symptoms and manifestations of palpitations

Clinically, the sensations of the heartbeat can vary greatly in different patients depending on the causative factor, as well as on the psycho-emotional characteristics and on the general sensitivity of the body. In some cases, a rapid rhythm is felt by the patient as a slight unpleasant feeling of discomfort in the chest, in others - as strong heart beats with a variety of "turning over, fading, stopping", etc. With a very rapid pulse (more than 100-120 per minute), patients can describe their feelings in this way - "the heart flutters, shakes like a hare's tail." Sometimes patients do not feel an accelerated heart rate at all.

As a rule, heart palpitations appear paroxysmal, and disappear as triggering factors are eliminated in the case of their physiological nature in a few minutes, but sometimes such an attack can drag on for hours, days and even weeks.

In the case when the patient does not have diseases of the heart or other organs, and a frequent pulse is caused by transient factors, then after the cause is eliminated (rest, cessation of physical activity, exclusion of a stressful situation), the heart rate indicators come to rate (60-90 per minute). In the case of a certain disease, it may be necessary to use medications or treat this disease to eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

What other symptoms can be associated with palpitations?

In persons with vegetative-vascular dystonia an increased heart rate can be combined with pronounced psycho-emotional manifestations, such as tearfulness, irritability, aggressiveness, as well as with autonomic reactions - sweating, pallor, trembling of the limbs, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure numbers. In pronounced cases, in such patients, an accelerated heart rate accompanies.

If you have high levels of thyroid hormones(hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis), the patient notes bouts of strong palpitations, combined with sweating, internal trembling throughout the body, weight loss with increased appetite, a visually apparent increase in the palpebral fissures and "bulging" eyeballs.

If we talk about the relationship of triggers in various diseases, then anything can provoke tachycardia - physical activity or stress in heart failure, taking a horizontal position after eating (especially at night) with stomach diseases, an overdose of inhalation drugs in bronchial asthma, etc.

Dangerous symptoms to watch out for!

Tachycardia may be a symptom of some life-threatening conditions, for example, if interruptions in the heart and a feeling of a strong heartbeat are combined with severe pain in the left half of the chest, between the shoulder blades or behind the sternum, and are also accompanied by a sudden sharp deterioration in the condition with cold sweat, shortness of breath, one can suspect an acute myocardial infarction in the patient.

When combined with a frequent heartbeat, a feeling of lack of air, a choking cough with or without pink frothy sputum, one might think about the onset of acute left ventricular. Especially sharply such symptoms can appear at night, when it intensifies in the lungs, and cardiac asthma and pulmonary edema may develop.

In the case when a frequent pulse is accompanied by a feeling of an irregular heartbeat, one can think of dangerous rhythm disturbances, such as frequent tachy-brady syndrome with sick sinus syndrome, which can lead to loss of consciousness and even to cardiac arrest.

Especially dangerous are ventricular tachycardia and frequent ventricular extrasystole, which are manifested by a very rapid heart rate and are accompanied by sweating, darkening of the eyes, severe shortness of breath and a feeling of lack of air. The danger of such states is that they can lead to and to.

Thus, in the presence of such pronounced symptoms and a deterioration in general well-being during attacks of palpitations, you should immediately consult a doctor(in a clinic or emergency medical service), because sometimes only the results of an ECG can determine the cause and degree of danger of conditions manifested by an increased heart rate.

Heart palpitations diagnosis

As you can see from the part of the article that describes the causes of heart palpitations, There are a lot of triggers and causative diseases. Therefore, if the patient cannot independently determine the condition, as a result of which the heartbeat increases, and, moreover, if such symptoms are difficult to tolerate by the patient, he should see a doctor in a timely manner to plan the examination and treatment if necessary.

From the consultations of specialists, in addition to the therapist, examinations by an endocrinologist, gynecologist, infectious disease specialist, gastroenterologist and other doctors may be necessary.

Of the most informative studies, the following can be shown:

1. - for a decrease in hemoglobin levels or the presence of an inflammatory process,
2. General urinalysis to exclude chronic inflammation of the kidneys, as well as kidney damage in hypertension, diabetes, etc.,
3. – indicators of kidney and liver function are examined,
4. Blood test for infectious diseases - viral hepatitis, HIV, syphilis,
5. Blood test for thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones,
6. Glycemic profile and glucose tolerance test for suspected diabetes mellitus,
7. Determining the level of sex hormones in pregnant women, especially if there were serious endocrinological diseases before pregnancy,
8. , in combination with Holter, as well as an ECG after dosed physical activity in the office of functional research methods,
9. for the diagnosis of defects, violations of the contractile function of the myocardium and many other heart diseases,
10. For serious arrhythmias suspected to be caused by coronary artery disease, the patient may undergo an “inside look” of the coronary arteries that feed the heart muscle,
11. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland, internal organs, pelvic organs, if a corresponding pathology is suspected,
12. Fibrogastroscopy (examination of the gastric mucosa with a gastroscope), analysis of gastric juice in case of suspected peptic ulcer, fluoroscopy of the esophagus and stomach with barium in cases of suspected diaphragmatic hernia, etc.
13. An examination of the functions of external respiration may be necessary if the patient describes the symptoms of attacks of tachycardia and suffocation, reminiscent of attacks of bronchial asthma,
14. MRI of the brain, if the neurologist suspects cardiac abnormalities as a result of a brain catastrophe, such as a stroke, as well as due to a brain tumor or other diseases.

It is unlikely that one patient will need a complete list of the above studies, since in most cases attacks of isolated tachycardia without other symptoms appear as a result of physiological causes. If the cause is pathological, then, as a rule, several more symptoms will be observed, so the doctor will be able to orient the patient at the first examination in which diagnostic direction they should move.

Treatment

The answer to the question of how and for how long to treat attacks of frequent heartbeat, only an expert can give an answer. In some cases, only rest, proper sleep and proper nutrition are shown, and in some cases, an ambulance team with further observation in a hospital setting is indispensable.

First aid for heart palpitations

At the stage of first aid, a patient with an attack can be helped as follows:

• Reassure the patient
• Open the window, unbutton the collar for fresh air access,
• Help lie down or sit down if the patient is suffocating while lying down,
• Call the ambulance,
• Measure blood pressure,
• Apply - ask the patient to strain, cough, so that the pressure in the chest cavity increases, and the rhythm slows down a little; you can moisten your face with cold water and press on the eyeballs for three to five minutes,
• Take half or a whole tablet of anaprilin under the tongue, or drink a tablet of egilok, concor or coronal inside if the patient has already taken such medications before, but only in accordance with the level of blood pressure - at a pressure below 90/60 mm Hg, such drugs are categorically contraindicated, and the rhythm is slowed down only by health workers with the help of intravenous administration of drugs, coupled with cardiotonic drugs.

Similar recommendations apply to patients with a history of cardiac disease, because in the case of another severe pathology, for example, for a patient in a state of severe poisoning or traumatic shock, life-saving and stabilization measures will be completely different.

So, in this material, only some of the causes and approximate schemes of what you can think of with a variety of combinations of heart palpitations with other symptoms are given. Therefore, it is better for a person who is far from medicine not to engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment, but to seek help from a doctor who not only diagnoses the disease in time, if any, but also prescribes competent treatment to prevent the disease from starting.

Video: frequent heartbeat in the program “Live healthy!”

Heart palpitations are a fairly common occurrence. It may be due to physiological factors or is the result of abnormal causes. This symptom should not be ignored. After a detailed examination, the doctor will determine the causes of rapid heartbeat at normal pressure or when it deviates from the norm.

In adults, a heart rate of 90 beats per minute is considered rapid. For newborns, this figure should not be more than 170 strokes. In children 10-12 years old, the heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute, and in adolescence it does not exceed 95.

The causes of heart palpitations are different. Not always this condition is due to the development of pathologies. Sometimes an increase in heart rate is a variant of the norm. In such a situation, you can do without treatment.

In healthy people, the heartbeat may increase for the following reasons:

• change in body position;
• physical exercise;
• eating large amounts of food or caffeinated drinks;
• powerful emotions;
• taking stimulants and other medications;
• awakening after sleep.

Menopause, high temperature, hot climate can also be the causes of high heart rate.

In such cases, a frequent heartbeat is not always even felt. A person notices a violation only when other symptoms appear - chest pain, severe shortness of breath, a feeling of jumping out of the heart. In the absence of pathologies of the heart muscle, this condition does not pose a health hazard.

Increased heart rate is often observed in children and adolescents. This is considered normal. In addition, there is idiopathic tachycardia. In this case, a more frequent contraction of the heart is associated with the individual characteristics of the organism.

In this case, the heart rate deviates from the normal parameters by 10-15 points. In such a situation, no therapeutic measures are required.

Causes of increased heart rate

If there is a rapid heartbeat, many are interested in the reasons for this and what to do at home. Cardiological and non-cardiological pathologies lead to problems. The first category includes functional deviations in the regulation of heart contractions. These include the following:

• vegetative-vascular dystonia - is a violation of the regulation of vascular tone, which leads to a reflex increase in heart rate;
• damage to the sinus node - when there are problems with the pacemaker, sinus tachycardia occurs;
• sudden fluctuations in blood pressure (BP) - in such a situation, the heart rate reflexively increases in response to a decrease in pressure parameters;
• arterial hypertension - especially the long-term presence of pathology or a significant increase in pressure.

Also, cardiological causes include organic damage to the myocardium:

• cardiac ischemia;
• acute myocardial infarction or the presence of this disorder in the past;
• congenital or acquired heart defects;
• cardiosclerosis - the appearance of cicatricial changes in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heart muscle, which may be due to inflammation of the myocardium or acute heart attack;
• cardiomyopathy - diseases that are characterized by a violation of the structure of the heart muscle or dilation.

With the development of such pathologies, an increase in heart rate manifests itself in the form of tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, or other types of tachyarrhythmia.

There are also quite a few non-cardiac factors that are accompanied by a heartbeat of more than 90 beats per minute. The main pathologies that provoke the appearance of such a problem include the following:

A strong heartbeat at normal pressure may be associated with some other intracardiac pathologies. These include:

• endocarditis;
• mitral valve prolapse.

With an increased heart rate at normal pressure, the question arises of what to take. Treatment depends on the provoking factor. Quite often, this phenomenon accompanies various pathologies that are characterized by intoxication of the body. These include viral infections, tonsillitis, pneumonia, purulent inflammation.

The combination of tachycardia with low blood pressure is typical for conditions that are accompanied by a decrease in blood volume in the vessels or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. Sometimes the provoking factor is a significant expansion of blood vessels.

Such changes are observed in the following situations:

• serious allergic reactions;
• blood loss;
• shock associated with a violation of the contractions of the heart;
• bacterial infection;
• dehydration;
• heatstroke;
• acute form of pancreatitis;
• decrease in body temperature;
• the use of diuretics or antihypertensive drugs;
• pneumothorax;
• Addisonian crisis.

An increase in heart rate against the background of a decrease in pressure is accompanied by general weakness, increased drowsiness, nausea, and fainting. Often there is trembling in the body.

The combination of rapid heart rate with high blood pressure is observed with such disorders:

• hypertensive crisis;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia of hypertonic type;
• pheochromocytoma;
• thyrotoxicosis;
• panic attack;
• caffeine overdose.

In this case, a person has a strong heartbeat, spots before the eyes, headaches. Often there is dizziness, visual acuity decreases, pain in the heart is observed.

Classification

When a rapid heartbeat is detected, its nature should be determined. Tachycardia can be chronic and paroxysmal. In the first case, the symptoms are constantly present or occur at regular intervals.

Manifestations of paroxysmal tachycardia occur suddenly. In this case, we are talking about the development of pathology, which can have the following varieties:

• sinus - at the time of an attack, a person can determine its beginning and end;
• paroxysmal - the diagnosis can be made using electrocardiography at the time of the attack.

To cope with sinus tachycardia, it is necessary to identify and eliminate provoking factors. If the focus of excitation is localized in a certain part of the cardiac system, we are talking about the paroxysmal form of the disease. Depending on the location of the pathology, atrial and ventricular tachycardia is diagnosed.

In the first case, the heart rhythm remains normal. In this case, oxygen starvation of the heart muscle is observed, the content of electrolytes in the blood is disturbed, and deviations in the work of the endocrine system occur.

Atrial tachycardia is accompanied by increased heart rate, general weakness, nausea. At the time of the attack, there is a risk of dizziness, a feeling of lack of air, and an increase in blood pressure.

Ventricular tachycardia is a consequence of various forms of coronary heart disease. Sometimes it leads to defects or inflammation of the heart muscle. This form of pathology is of great danger, since it can transform into ventricular fibrillation. Sometimes this leads to shock or pulmonary edema.

High heart rate symptoms

Frequent palpitations can be accompanied by various symptoms - it all depends on the provoking factor, psycho-emotional characteristics and sensitivity of the body.

Some people feel an increase in heart rate as a slight discomfort in the chest, while others feel strong heart beats with stops and fading. Some patients have no symptoms.

Please note: Most often this condition has a paroxysmal course. At the same time, its symptoms disappear after the elimination of provoking factors. However, sometimes an attack is present for several hours or even weeks.

Symptoms of heart palpitations directly depend on the provoking factor. In people with vegetative-vascular dystonia, this condition is combined with noticeable psycho-emotional disorders - aggressiveness, tearfulness, irritability.

In addition, many patients note vegetative reactions - headaches, sweating, pale skin, nausea, vomiting, tremor of the limbs. Often there are low blood pressure parameters. In difficult situations, the acceleration of the heart rate is accompanied by panic attacks.

With an increase in the content of thyroid hormones, palpitations are combined with sweating, weight loss against the background of increased appetite, protrusion of the eyeballs, and internal trembling in the body.

It should be borne in mind that tachycardia may indicate dangerous conditions. If the feeling of a strong heartbeat is complemented by intense pain in the left side of the chest or between the shoulder blades, as well as cold sweating and shortness of breath, a myocardial infarction is suspected.

If a frequent heartbeat is complemented by shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air, a choking cough, one can suspect the development of acute left ventricular failure. These symptoms worsen at night. This is due to increased venous stasis of blood in the lungs. In such a situation, there is a risk of developing cardiac asthma and pulmonary edema.

If an increase in heart rate complements an irregular heartbeat, one can suspect frequent extrasystole, atrial fibrillation, weakness of the sinus node. All this can lead to fainting and even cause cardiac arrest.

The most dangerous conditions are ventricular tachycardia and extrasystole, which are characterized by an increase in heart rate. In these conditions, there is sweating, severe shortness of breath, darkening in the eyes, a feeling of lack of air. Such violations can cause ventricular fibrillation and provoke cardiac arrest.

Complications

If an increase in heart rate is rare and is associated with the action of physiological factors, there is no cause for concern. If tachycardia occurs quite often and is present for a long time, this will certainly lead to problems.

Too frequent contraction of the heart leads to incomplete filling of the organ with blood. As a result, less blood enters the bloodstream per cardiac output. This means that the heart cannot fully satisfy the body's need for oxygen and useful elements. All tissues and organs suffer from this.

First of all, the functioning of the brain and heart muscle is disrupted. The stronger the manifestations of tachycardia, the greater the load experienced by the myocardium. It is under such conditions that the threat of acute myocardial ischemia - myocardial infarction - increases significantly.

If you do not start treatment for increased heart rate in time, there is a risk of such consequences:

• the formation of blood clots;
• weight loss;
• pulmonary edema;
• fainting state;
• heart failure;
• convulsions;
• sudden death.

Important: Therapy for rapid heart rate is selected on an individual basis, depending on the diagnosis. Any self-medication options pose a health risk.

Diagnosis of tachycardia

There are quite a few factors that provoke an increase in heart rate. To make an accurate diagnosis, you should consult a doctor. In addition to the therapist, there may be a need to consult a gynecologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist and other specialists.

The most informative diagnostic procedures include the following:

Of course, one patient is unlikely to need a complete list of studies. As a rule, attacks of isolated tachycardia without other manifestations are due to physiological causes.

With abnormal heart palpitations, additional symptoms are usually present. It is the clinical picture that influences the choice of diagnostic methods.

Treatment

With the development of palpitations, a suitable treatment can be selected by a doctor after an examination. In some cases, only rest, proper nutrition and sleep are enough, while in others it is impossible to do without calling an ambulance and inpatient therapy.

First aid

At the time of an attack of tachycardia at the stage of first aid, you can perform the following actions:

• calm the patient
• ventilate the room, unbutton the buttons on the clothes;
• give a sedative (motherwort, valerian, Corvalol, Valocordin);
• seat or lay down the patient;
• call an ambulance;
• measure blood pressure and pulse.

You can also use the Valsalva maneuver. To do this, you need to ask the patient to strain and cough, or inhale, then hold the breath and strain at the same moment. This will help increase the pressure in the chest cavity and make the rhythm a little less frequent. In addition, you can rinse your face with cool water and put pressure on the eyeballs for 3-5 minutes.

The patient can be given half or a whole tablet of Anaprilin under the tongue. You can also take inside Concor, Coronal, Egilok. However, this is acceptable if the person has previously taken similar medications.

It is important to control the level of pressure. If the indicator is less than 90/60 mm Hg. Art., such means are strictly prohibited. In such a situation, only a doctor can bring down a high heart rate. Specialists inject the necessary drugs intravenously and supplement them with cardiotonic drugs.

Important: Such recommendations can only be applied to people with a history of cardiac disorders. If palpitations are due to traumatic shock or severe intoxication, other measures will be required to stabilize the patient's condition.

Medical treatment

To cope with tachycardia, doctors usually prescribe the following categories of drugs:

1. Sedative drugs. They are made on the basis of medicinal plants or obtained synthetically. The first category includes such tools as Persen, Novo-Passit, etc. Synthetic agents include Phenobarbital, Diazepam.
2. Antiarrhythmic drugs. This group includes Adenosine, Verapamil, Flecainide.

Sedative drugs are prescribed for the development of vegetative-vascular dystonia. They help reduce the number of tachycardia attacks and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.

Antiarrhythmic drugs have a different mechanism of action. They are allowed to be taken only on prescription. Any self-medication options are very dangerous.

If a person has ventricular tachycardia, mechanical means are first used. If this does not help, drugs are used - Lidocaine, Obzidan. If the drugs are ineffective, treatment with electrical impulses is performed.

With the development of abnormal sinus tachycardia, in addition to a cardiologist, you need to consult a neurologist. After a detailed examination, doctors prescribe sedatives - Relanium, Luminal, Seduxen. You can also use psychotherapy and massage the eyeballs.

In some situations, it will not be possible to do without surgical intervention. The indications for the operation are as follows:

• thyrotoxicosis, pheochromocytoma - the doctor removes part of the gland or tumor formation;
• ischemia, heart disease - in these cases, cardiac surgery is performed.

Folk remedies

In addition to traditional treatments, homemade recipes can be used. The most effective folk remedies are the following:

Preventive actions

To avoid heart rhythm disturbances, you must follow these rules:

• adhere to a healthy lifestyle;
• often be in the fresh air;
• provide moderate physical activity;
• timely treat pathologies that can provoke the appearance of this symptom;
• refuse fatty foods, pickles, caffeine;
• eat foods that are high in calcium.

Heart palpitations are quite common and can cause dangerous consequences. To avoid the development of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor at the first symptoms of the disorder.

Normal blood supply, transport of nutrients and gases are carried out during the period of heart contractions. How these processes will occur depends on the heart rate. If the rhythm of the heart contractions fails, many physiological processes in the body deviate from normal activity.

The concept of rapid heartbeat

Normally, an adult's heart beats at a speed of 60-80 beats per minute. Exceeding at least 10 beats above the norm is considered a rapid heartbeat, called tachycardia by doctors. It is possible to determine tachycardia in a person using various diagnostic methods, one of which is.

• At rest, most healthy people have a heart rate of 70.
• Performing physical work requires more oxygen in the tissues, which is why the heart more often throws out portions of blood with oxygen into the vessels. Sometimes this figure is 200, but in specific environmental conditions with increased load it is considered the norm.

Psycho-emotional experiences can increase the heart rate, which is also not considered a deviation from the normal rhythm. Pathology is considered to be an increased heart rate at rest.

What is heart palpitations, the specialist tells in the video below:

Its varieties

According to the symptoms, the doctor can establish one of the forms of tachycardia:

1. Chronic, if the signs of rapid heartbeat do not stop or appear within a certain time interval.
2. Paroxysmal when the symptoms intensely come on unexpectedly. During paroxysmal tachycardia, a heart rhythm failure occurs, called. There are 2 types of arrhythmia, which differ in the place of generation of nerve impulses of rapid excitation.
   • When the initial and final paroxysmal state is determined by the patient himself. The causes of the condition usually lie on the surface and the patient knows which factor is the trigger for the onset of an attack. Among these factors are psycho-emotional stress, etc.
   • The second type of arrhythmia is. This variety becomes apparent when deciphering an electrocardiogram made during the acute period of an attack. The period not related to the course of the attack is not the basis for establishing a diagnosis using the electrocardiographic method.

Paroxysmal tachycardia is found in certain areas of the heart. Depending on the site with a disturbed rhythm of cardiac activity, 2 types of paroxysmal arrhythmia are distinguished:

• Atrial arrhythmia refers to pathologies in which the rhythmic contractions of the heart do not undergo a sharp deviation. At the physiological level, there is a violation of the secretion of hormones, insufficient oxygen supply to the myocardium, a change in the concentration of cations, leading to deviations in the acid-base balance of the blood. The functionality decreases, which forms the frequency of conducting electrical impulses passing from the atria to the underlying ventricles. In the process of electrocardiographic examination, an increasing number of electrical impulses per unit of time is detected. The patient develops shortness of breath, chest discomfort, tachycardia. The patient complains of malaise, nausea. If there is an increase in systolic pressure and a feeling of lack of air, the reason lies in deviations in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

The best reason for establishing the correct diagnosis in case of suspected atrial arrhythmia is to monitor the electrical activity of the heart daily by installing an apparatus for recording impulses during the day. Establishing an accurate diagnosis depends on the interpretation of the electrocardiogram during the day.

• Ventricular arrhythmia. Zones of improper excitation affect the wall between the ventricles and the ventricles themselves. The sources of the violation are inflammatory processes in the heart muscle, and even. The consequence is a dangerous complication - the risk of unexpected cardiac arrest in which is very high. Separate striated fibers of the ventricular myocardium begin to contract out of rhythm and synchrony, while the remaining muscle fibers try to contract according to a given rhythm. The processes occurring during systole and diastole are not distinguished by differences. Blood flow disorders, pulmonary edema are the consequences of the pathology, which constitute a further threat to the life of the patient.

Feelings of the patient

• During a rapid heartbeat, a person feels their rhythm by hearing the sound of beats. Sometimes a paradoxical fact is observed: the rhythms of the beats are quickened, and the sound is not heard, as if there were no beats at all.
• A panic state, shortness of breath develops rapidly.
• In the region of the stomach, a sensation of a coma has arisen.
• Patients describe fear of death, blackouts in the eyes, a feeling of heat, and an overwhelming urge to cry.
• In the region of the heart, pains of a stabbing nature may be found.
• Appetite disappears, any tension causes pain.
• The whole body begins to tremble, pain in the head, fatigue is not replaced by sleep.

What diseases are accompanied by a symptom

When a rapid heart rate is detected, a number of therapeutic techniques are prescribed to normalize the rhythmic contraction of the heart chambers. If the effectiveness of the procedures is minimal, the patient should not make independent attempts to recover from an unpleasant symptom. An immediate appeal to a cardiologist is indicated. The reasons for a more frequent reduction may indicate infectious diseases, myocardial pathologies, varieties (including life-threatening) tachycardia,.

Mental disorders are not excluded, the timely treatment of which eliminates an unpleasant symptom. Unfortunately, the mentality of an ordinary person does not allow you to consult a psychotherapist because of the categorical denial of your insanity. The interpretation for such people of the terms "madness" and "mental disorder" is identical.

A patient experiencing alarming signs of a more frequent heartbeat that occurs repeatedly should trust the doctor in determining the diagnosis and perform the full range of proposed procedures. Along with the usual stress or a single overload of the nervous system, tachycardia can hide poisoning of the body and other dangerous conditions.

Elena Malysheva will tell about how to moderate a frequent heartbeat in her video:

Treatment Methods

Heart palpitations are easier to prevent by following a set of rules for a healthy lifestyle:

• do not abuse drinks containing alcohol and caffeine;
• increase motor activity;
• learn different methods of breathing exercises;
• Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly.

During an attack of tachycardia, each person should know the procedure for self-help to his body.

1. First, it is recommended to get rid of tight clothing, unbutton and take one of the sedatives according to the dosage indicated in the instructions. They can serve as any herbal tinctures in the medicine cabinet: valerian, motherwort. Suitable for this purpose, etc.
2. The second stage of self-help is to take a horizontal position and hold your breath while exhaling for half a minute. Repeat holding your breath several times, then press down on the eyelids with your eyes closed. Many patients noted an improvement in their condition when pressing on the abdomen. It is advisable to drink cool mineral water without gases and wipe your face and hands with a damp towel. Sometimes inducing vomiting makes you feel better, as the procedure has an antispasmodic effect.

Not always the measures taken lead to an improvement in well-being, so the doctor may prescribe when a symptom is detected:

1. Phytotherapeutic sedatives (, valerian, motherwort, etc.).
2. Synthetic sedatives (, Phenobarbital).
3. Preparations for the removal of arrhythmia (and its analogues).

With a psychotropic effect on the heart rate, they seek a prescription from a neurologist or psychotherapist. Sometimes they resort to surgical treatment (heart defects, ischemic disease).

This video tells about the methods of treating frequent heartbeat at home:

Anna Mironova

Reading time: 9 minutes

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“And it beats so hard that it seems as if it is about to jump out” - this is how people who are faced with symptoms of tachycardia usually explain their condition. In addition, there is difficulty in breathing, a "lump in the throat" appears, sweats, darkens the eyes.

Where does tachycardia come from, and what to do if it takes you by surprise?

Causes of frequent and strong heartbeats - what causes tachycardia?

The heart rhythm is a permanent process of contractions of the main organ in the human body. And the slightest failure of the heart is always a signal for examination.

The frequency of contractions of the heart rate in the case of a healthy person is usually equal to 60-80 beats per minute . With a sharp increase in this frequency up to 90 beats and more talk about tachycardia.

It is common for such attacks to start unexpectedly and end just as unexpectedly, and the duration of an attack can reach from 3-4 seconds to several days. The more emotional a person is, the higher the risk for him to meet with tachycardia.

However, the reasons for this symptom (namely a symptom, because tachycardia is by no means not a disease , and a sign of any disorder in the body) is a lot.

Also important distinguish tachycardia from the natural reaction of the body to physical activity or an attack of excitement, fear. Heart rate can be affected by various factors...

For example, heart disease:

• Myocarditis (associated symptoms: pain, weakness, subfebrile condition).
• Heart disease (approx. - congenital or acquired defect).
• Arterial hypertension (pressure in this case rises from 140/90 and above).
• Myocardial dystrophy (with malnutrition of the heart / muscle).
• Ischemic disease (note - manifested by a heart attack or angina pectoris).
• anomaly in the development of the heart.
• Cardiomyopathy (note - deformation of the heart / muscle).
• Arrhythmia.

And also at…

• Climax.
• Various abnormalities in the work of the thyroid gland.
• tumors.
• Decreasing/increasing pressure.
• anemia.
• With purulent infections.
• With SARS, influenza.
• Loss of blood.
• Allergies.

It is worth noting other factors that can cause an attack of tachycardia:

• Mental / nervous disorders, stress, fear, etc.
• Lack of physical / stress, sedentary work.
• Insomnia.
• Taking certain medications. For example, antidepressants. Or too long (erratic) medication.
• Taking drugs or alcohol.
• Abuse of various drinks containing caffeine.
• Overweight or advanced age.
• Magnesium deficiency.
• Chocolate abuse.

There are many reasons. And there are more of them than in the above list. The heart can respond to any changes or disorders of the body.

How do you know if it's worth worrying about?

The only option - see a doctor .

Especially if this is not the first attack of tachycardia, and it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

1. Darkens in the eyes.
2. There is weakness and shortness of breath.
3. Feeling pain in the chest.
4. Sweating, shortness of breath.
5. Tingling in the fingers.
6. Panic.
7. etc.

Types of tachycardia - is there an increased heartbeat chronic?

During the examination, the specialist, before making a diagnosis, will find out what kind of tachycardia is observed in the patient.

She may be…

• Chronic. In this case, the symptoms are permanent or recur at regular intervals.
• Paroxysmal. This type of tachycardia is usually a sign of an arrhythmia.

Arrhythmia, in turn, can be of the following types:

• sinus. Usually the patient independently determines the beginning and end of the attack. It is treated by eliminating factors of influence and changing lifestyle.
• Paroxysmal. It is confirmed during the attack with the help of electrocardiography. The focus of excitation, as a rule, is located in one of the departments of the cardiac system - the atrium or ventricle.

What is dangerous heart palpitations - all the risks and consequences

It is naive to believe that tachycardia is just a temporary inconvenience. Especially when it comes to recurring episodes.

Be aware of the risks and complications of tachycardia.

For instance…

1. Heart failure (in the absence of the ability to transport the right amount of blood to the heart).
2. Pulmonary edema.
3. Heart attack, stroke.
4. Cardiac arrest, sudden death.
5. Fainting.
6. Seizures.
7. The appearance of blood clots in the leg / artery.

The most dangerous thing is when an attack “catches up” with a person suddenly and where no one can come to the rescue.

For example, driving on the road, while swimming, when returning home from work, etc.

Therefore, even with minimal suspicion of tachycardia, there is no time to waste!

Timely consultation with a specialist can save a life!

First aid for sudden heart palpitations

In order to prevent complications after an attack of tachycardia, it is important to provide first aid correctly before the doctor arrives and minimize the risk of damage to weak areas of the myocardium and subsequent heart attack.

The first thing you must do is call an ambulance.

Next you need…

• Lay the person with an attack in such a way that the body is lower than the head.
• Wide open all windows. The patient needs oxygen.
• Apply a damp cool cloth to the forehead (or wash with ice water).
• Free a person from clothing that interferes with full breathing. That is, remove excess, unbutton the shirt collar, etc.
• Find a sedative drug in the first aid kit to alleviate symptoms.
• Do breathing exercises. 1st: take a deep breath, hold your breath for 2-5 seconds and exhale sharply. 2nd: deep breaths and shallow exhalations with tongue hanging out for 15 seconds. 3rd: Cough as hard as you can or induce vomiting. 4th: inhale for 6-7 seconds, exhale for 8-9 seconds. within 3 min.
• It is strictly forbidden to brew tea from lemon balm or chamomile (green or regular tea, as well as coffee!).
• Massage will also help. 1: gently and gently press for 4-5 minutes on the right side of the neck - on the area where the carotid artery is located. Massage is unacceptable in old age (may cause a stroke). 2: put your fingers on the closed eyelids and massage the eyeballs for 3-5 minutes in a circular motion.

It is extremely important not to lose consciousness during an attack! Therefore, use all means to reduce the heart rate / rhythm. Including drinking cold water in small sips, acupressure and even bringing the eyes to the bridge of the nose(the method was also noted as one of the most effective).

Diagnostic program for frequent strong heartbeats

So all the same tachycardia or something else? How will the doctor determine whether it is worth worrying and being treated, or can you relax and forget about the attack?

Tachycardia (or lack of it) will be diagnosed using the following procedures and methods:

1. Of course, the electrocardiogram heart to determine the frequency / rhythm of contractions of the heart.
2. Further monitoring of the ECG "according to Holter" to study all changes in the heart during the day, both during exercise and at rest.
3. Electrophysiological study.
4. Ultrasound, MRI and Echocardiography - they are needed to detect pathologies.
5. Sometimes bicycle ergometry is prescribed. This method involves examining the patient with the help of equipment while exercising on an exercise bike.
6. Also, tests, thyroid examination, pressure measurement will be prescribed and other procedures.

What might the doctor ask (be prepared)?

• How long the attack lasts (you can track the time if the attacks are repeated).
• How often, at what time and after what attacks usually occur.
• What is the pulse during an attack.
• What the patient ate, drank or took before the attack.

Even if the attack "covered" you for the first time, remember: this is an extremely serious signal from your body. That is, it's time not only to be examined and follow the doctor's instructions, but also to change your lifestyle!

And, of course - you need to organize.

The site site warns: the information is provided for informational purposes only, and is not a medical recommendation. In no case do not self-medicate! If you have health problems, consult your doctor!