Sinus tachycardia 96th century. Sinus tachycardia

Sinus tachycardia is considered a fairly common type of arrhythmia when the pulse exceeds 100 beats per minute. It may be a variant of the norm or serves as a sign of pathology of the heart, blood vessels, endocrine system and other organs.

Each of us is familiar with the feeling of a rapid heartbeat, which appears during excitement, physical effort, after a cup of strong coffee or a hearty meal. In a healthy body, such a reflection of external conditions or emotional reactions that are not always favorable is considered a variant of the norm, because after a short time the heart itself restores the correct rhythm without disturbing the blood flow in the organs.

Tachycardia is considered physiological if it accompanies emotional experiences, physical activity, lack of oxygen, or being in a stuffy or hot room. In children under 7 years of age, a rapid pulse is considered normal even at rest.

In fact, tachycardia in a healthy person is a compensatory mechanism designed to enhance the work of the heart to provide tissues with blood when they need it more than usual. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of adrenal medulla hormones into the blood provide an increased heart rate, and when external conditions normalize, it quickly returns to normal.

However, tachycardia is not always temporary and harmless. It often accompanies serious diseases of the heart, thyroid gland, and brain, so it should not be ignored. Timely diagnosis and search for the cause of unexplained tachycardia is the key to successful treatment and prevention of serious complications.

Causes and types of sinus tachycardia

The term “sinus” means that the impulses to contract the heart come as expected - from the main node, the sinus, so the rhythm remains regular, and the atria and ventricles contract at the same frequency. The arrhythmia increases gradually and in some cases the pulse reaches 220 per minute (usually within 110-120 beats/min).

Depending on the reason, there are:

  • Pathological sinus tachycardia;
  • Physiological tachycardia.

Physiological tachycardia, as mentioned above, this is the norm, that is, the body’s adaptation to changed external conditions. This is an adequate response to adversity, which is not accompanied by hemodynamic disorders and myocardial changes due to its short duration. It is dangerous when tachycardia acquires pathological features or complicates another pathology.

Pathological sinus tachycardia accompanies a number of diseases and inevitably leads to changes in the heart and systemic blood flow. Working at high speed and actually wearing out, the heart cannot cope with delivering the required volume of blood to the large and small circles, since with rapid contraction its chambers are not completely filled. Over time, it develops, the heart expands, myocardial contractility decreases, and the organs do not receive enough nutrition.

Against the background of pathological tachycardia, it progresses due to a lack of blood flow in the coronary arteries, and if the latter are also affected, then Deterioration of the condition and even a heart attack can occur very quickly.

The causes of sinus tachycardia can be divided into cardiac, that is, associated with changes in the heart itself, and extracardiac, i.e. disorders of other organs.

Cardiac causes of sinus tachycardia:

  1. , both acute and chronic;
  2. infectious, autoimmune nature; ) And ;
  3. Various forms - , ;
  4. , congenital and acquired;
  5. Cardiomyopathies.

Of the non-cardiac causes, tachycardia is most often provoked by endocrine disorders and neurogenic disorders. Neurogenic sinus tachycardia is becoming increasingly common due to increasing levels of stress in the population. This type of rhythm disturbance is very characteristic of psychosis and is usually diagnosed in young and emotionally labile subjects.

Among endocrine disorders, sinus tachycardia can be caused by increased function of the thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis) and hormone-producing tumors of the adrenal glands. With blood loss, severe anemia, severe pain, increased body temperature due to infections, tachycardia also often develops.

Hypoxia provokes activation of the sinus node and, accordingly, increased heart rate. This occurs with lung diseases (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma), and with and with a lack of oxygen in the inhaled air.

When taking certain medications, drug-induced sinus tachycardia develops. It can be caused by diuretics, hormonal drugs, antihypertensive drugs, aminophylline, adrenergic agonists, antidepressants, and caffeine-containing drugs.

Thus, according to the cause, pathological sinus tachycardia can be drug-induced, neurogenic, toxic, hypoxic, or cardiac.

Sinus tachycardia can occur during pregnancy even in women without previous pathology of the circulatory system.

  • This phenomenon is not considered a variant of the norm, but has natural prerequisites:
  • Increased peripheral blood flow due to the growth of the uterus and fetus in it;
  • A woman's weight gain during pregnancy;
  • Features of hormonal levels;

An increase in pressure inside the abdominal cavity due to an enlarged uterus, which seems to press the diaphragm from below, as a result of which the position of the heart in the chest cavity may change. As pregnancy progresses, the heart experiences increasing stress, so in the last trimester tachycardia can become severe.

Rhythm disturbances in pregnant women require close attention and correction due to the risk of disruption of fetal development and the course of gestation and childbirth itself.

Manifestations of sinus tachycardia

The severity of clinical manifestations and subjective sensations of the patient depend on the degree of tachycardia, the nature of the underlying pathology, the presence or absence of damage to the heart muscle, valves, and blood vessels.

Some patients may have no complaints at all or may note slight discomfort in the chest, palpitations, periodic pain in the heart, which do not have a significant impact on lifestyle and work activity.

  • In other cases, the symptoms become so obvious and unpleasant that the patient can neither work nor perform usual household chores. Appears:
  • Persistent and clearly noticeable heartbeat;
  • Feeling that there is not enough air, even at rest;
  • Weakness, fatigue during low-intensity physical activity;
  • and even episodes of loss of consciousness;
  • Heart pain is a common symptom in patients with chronic myocardial ischemia, when arrhythmia further impedes blood flow through the coronary arteries;

Anxiety, emotional lability, irritability.

Treatment of sinus tachycardia is determined, first of all, by the root cause of the pathology. Cases of physiological TS do not require special therapy; in case of pathological arrhythmia, treatment is prescribed by a cardiologist together with specialists of other profiles (endocrinologist, psychotherapist, neurologist).

If sinus tachycardia is diagnosed, then the first step is to review mode, nutrition And Lifestyle. In many cases, general measures can significantly improve your well-being and reduce your heart rate. A patient with sinus tachycardia should:

  • Stop smoking and drinking alcohol;
  • Avoid coffee, caffeine-containing drinks, chocolate, strong tea, avoid too hot, spicy foods in favor of vegetables, fruits, and herbs;
  • Do not overeat, eat food in 5-6 meals and in small volumes;
  • Ensure adequate and sufficiently long sleep;
  • Walk outdoors more often, take walks and exercise within reasonable limits;
  • Avoid stress, traumatic situations, physical overexertion (at work and in the gym).

With physiological sinus tachycardia, the measures listed above are usually sufficient to normalize the heart rhythm. If arrhythmia is a complication of another disease, then treatment should be aimed at it first of all, otherwise attempts to reduce the pulse can only adversely affect the heart muscle, lead to circulatory failure and worsening arrhythmia.

If sinus tachycardia is associated with increased thyroid function, then thyreostatics (Mercazolil) are prescribed, and beta-blockers (pindolol, oxprenolol) can be added to correct the rhythm. If beta blockers are contraindicated for any reason, then calcium antagonists (verapamil, diltiazem) can be used.

For sinus tachycardia due to anemia the administration of iron supplements (ferrum-lek), as well as vitamins and microelements, is indicated. Antiarrhythmic drugs for this category of patients are prescribed very rarely.

Blood loss accompanied by tachycardia requires replenishment of the volume of circulating blood (fresh frozen plasma, red blood cells, saline infusion) and, of course, stopping bleeding.

Patients with sinus tachycardia due to chronic heart failure are prescribed, in addition to other antiarrhythmics (celanide, digoxin).

The neurogenic form of sinus arrhythmia, as one of the most common, is treated by a neurologist or psychotherapist. Since its cause is stress, emotional experiences, disorders of autonomic regulation, treatment consists of prescribing tranquilizers, sedatives (Relanium, Luminal, etc.) and psychotherapy.

In addition to prescription sedatives, you can use commonly available valerian, hawthorn, motherwort, adaptol, afobazole, and various herbal teas to lower your heart rate.

Non-drug treatment of psychogenic sinus tachycardia includes physiotherapy, water treatments (swimming pool, relaxing baths), massage, that is, something that has a general calming effect. Good results come from working with a psychotherapist and mastering auto-training aimed at improving control over your emotions and mood. These measures are especially useful when, in addition to arrhythmia, the patient complains of panic attacks and fears.

With the ineffectiveness of antiarrhythmic drugs, progression of circulatory disorders and significant deterioration of the patient's condition cardiologists recommend surgical treatment- and installation of a pacemaker. The first method consists of destruction of the focus of excessive impulses, the second is indicated for life-threatening complications against the background of intractable sinus tachycardia.

Pregnant women with sinus tachycardia without cardiac pathology should remain calm, not be nervous, and refrain from physical labor. The doctor may prescribe sedatives and microelements. Many drugs are contraindicated for expectant mothers, but if tachycardia becomes severe and threatens the normal course of pregnancy, then there is no way out - antiarrhythmic drugs are used.

Prevention rhythm disturbances such as tachycardia are of no small importance not only for the functional nature of the pathology, but also, especially, in the case of existing changes in the heart itself. In the latter case, lack of rhythm control will quickly lead to an increase in heart failure with various adverse consequences.

The prognosis for sinus tachycardia is determined by the causes of the pathology. If the arrhythmia is not associated with changes in the heart itself, but is of a functional or physiological nature, then even in the case of negative subjective symptoms it is quite satisfactory. It is much worse if the arrhythmia occurs in a patient suffering from coronary heart disease, a defect, or congestive heart failure. Such patients have a high risk of complications and therefore the prognosis is quite serious.

Video: tachycardia - how to calm the heart, “Live Healthy” program

Sinus tachycardia has two types:

  1. Physiological tachycardia - develops against the background of physical or emotional stress, or accompanies a febrile syndrome. It disappears immediately after exposure to unfavorable factors and does not require drug correction. This is the so-called compensatory reaction of the body to changes in the state of the body.
  2. Pathological tachycardia is a consequence of damage to the sinoatrial node of the conduction system of the heart. This condition develops against the background of complete well-being and is corrected only with the help of medication.

Etiological factors

The main reason for the development of sinus tachycardia is the functional failure of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

What is sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation? The sympathetic department is responsible for excitation processes in the tissue structures of the body; under the influence of sympathetic innervation, vascular tone changes, sinus contractility of muscle fibers, including the myocardium, increases. The parasympathetic division of the nervous system has the opposite effect. In addition to disorders of nervous regulation, the disease can also be caused by extracardiac and cardiac factors.

Extracardiac factors include:

  1. Neurogenic - develops in people who are predisposed to prolonged emotional stress, with neuroses and long-term depressive states.
  2. Toxic - develop under the influence of toxic and chemical poisonous substances on the sinus node that enter the human body orally, inhaled or through the skin.
  3. Drug-related – develops with prolonged or improper use of medications that can affect the contractile activity of the heart. This is especially true for drugs with a psychotropic mechanism of action, hypnotics and narcotics.
  4. Hypoxic - in this case, the body reacts as compensation to the insufficient supply of oxygen to the human body. This condition is regarded as a reflex reaction.

Sinus tachycardia of the heart caused by cardiac factors suggests organic pathologies of the myocardium.

Cardiac factors in the development of the disease include:

  1. Angina pectoris and as a sharp disturbance in the flow of arterial oxygenated blood to the heart muscle, due to obstruction or spasmodic narrowing of the lumen of the coronary arteries.
  2. Cardiosclerosis is an irreversible change in the muscle fibers of the myocardium under the influence of an inflammatory or traumatic lesion.
  3. Acute or chronic as a violation of the heart.

Features of symptomatic manifestations

Symptomatic signs may appear depending on how long the pathological condition that caused the disease progresses. It is important whether the patient has concomitant diseases.

The most common complaints of patients are:

  • a feeling of heaviness in the body, especially in the lower extremities;
  • painful and uncomfortable sensations in the projection of the heart;
  • shortness of breath that appears after physical or emotional stress;
  • dizziness and pathological weakness due to insufficient blood supply to brain tissue;
  • decreased appetite, in rare cases;

Due to increased myocardial contractility, a sharp decrease in blood supply to the organ structures of the human body occurs. The functioning of the digestive tract, respiratory, urinary and hormonal systems is disrupted. A long period of morbidity can negatively affect their functioning and, as a result, pose a serious threat to the patient’s life.

Features and purpose of diagnostics

A cardiologist deals with questions about pathology of the heart. People who are registered with an increased risk of development or if they have a history of arrhythmia should regularly undergo special preventive medical examinations and, if necessary, receive drug treatment.

To diagnose sinus tachycardia, the following is carried out:

  • Electrocardiography - shows the number and rhythm of heart contractions, is the gold standard for diagnosing heart disease.
  • Echocardiography allows you to visualize and adequately assess the condition of the heart valves and detect defects in a timely manner.
  • A general laboratory blood test shows the condition of the blood, its oxygenation and the presence of necessary elements.

Providing first aid

Sinus tachycardia of the heart belongs to a group of diseases that require emergency medical care before the arrival of an ambulance. Correctly provided assistance to a person in the first seconds of the development of the disease can affect the effectiveness of further specialized treatment.

The main stages of emergency care:

  • ensure the free passage of fresh air if the patient is in a closed and stuffy room;
  • free the human body from tightly fitting clothing items;
  • provide the patient with a sitting or lying position with the lower limbs raised upward;
  • apply cold compresses to the temples of the head and forehead;

In cases where a person has lost consciousness and there are no signs of heartbeat and breathing, resuscitation measures must be carried out with a ratio of compressions to breaths of 30:2. Patients diagnosed with sinus tachycardia should be immediately hospitalized in a cardiology hospital.

Features of treatment for sinus tachycardia

First of all, to eliminate the disease, it is necessary to eliminate the etiological factor of the disease. Today, tachycardia is quite successfully eliminated with the use of medications.

As a rule, sinus tachycardia develops against the background of diseases of the endocrine and urinary systems, vascular pathology and under the influence of external factors. The basis of treatment is the elimination of the etiological factor of the disease, and then the correction of tachycardia.

Among the drug treatments, the following should be highlighted:

1. Sedatives have a pronounced effect on the human nervous system and have a depressing effect on the sympathetic nervous system. Depending on the material of manufacture, drugs in this group are divided into:

  • environmentally friendly medicinal substances prepared on the basis of natural medicinal plants, for example, glycine, glycized, valerian;
  • chemically synthesized drugs that have a pronounced antidepressant effect, for example, phenobarbital;

Sedatives are used by people who are prone to emotional instability, frequent manifestations of neuroses and depressive states. The use of medications must be carried out with strict consideration of dosage, since excessive addiction leads to serious consequences.

  1. Beta blockers are drugs that reduce the concentration of blood mediators that affect vascular tone, the mechanism of action is aimed at reducing blood pressure and.
  2. Drugs that inhibit impulses in the sinus node of the conduction system of the heart control the correct rhythm of stimulation of the node and the conduction of nerve tissue. Prevents the development of atrial fibrillation and sudden coronary death.
  3. Calcium channel antagonists. Calcium as a trace element in the human body stimulates excitation processes, which is a key factor in the pathogenesis of the disease. The mechanism of action of this group of drugs is designed to block the release of calcium from the cellular depot, so the process of excitation in the nervous tissue slows down.

If the drug correction is ineffective, patients are recommended to undergo surgical intervention. If the cause of the development of tachycardia is endocrine pathology, the gland is removed completely or part of it, if there is a disruption in the functioning of the sinus node itself, the patient is given a special electrical heart stimulator.

Traditional, environmentally friendly methods of treatment

Against the background of drug and surgical treatment, the body weakens quite significantly, which is why patients are recommended to use vitamins and herbal substances as a comprehensive treatment.

The most common traditional medicine recipes for general restoration of the body in pathologies of the cardiovascular system:

  1. Tincture of dried leaves: Pour a tablespoon of dried leaves of the plant into one 250 ml glass of boiling water and let it steep for three hours. The resulting infusion is used half a glass twice a day.
  2. Tincture of garlic and lemon: to prepare the tincture you need about ten lemons and garlic, these ingredients are thoroughly crushed and mixed. The resulting mixture is poured with boiling water in a volume of 1 liter, you can add a spoonful of honey, and infuses for a week. The resulting infusion is used in 4-5 teaspoons throughout the day.
  3. Decoction from the Adonis plant: add one tablespoon of crushed and dried medicinal plant to water, put on low heat, and bring to a boil. After this, the broth is covered with a lid and cooled. After preparation, the decoction is consumed in four teaspoons throughout the day.

Traditional medicine should be used only after consultation with the attending cardiologist; this is necessary to clarify the required dosage and determine the compatibility of decoctions and infusions with medications. Self-treatment of sinus tachycardia is strictly prohibited.

Preventive actions

Prevention of sinus tachycardia is based on timely diagnosis and treatment of predisposing organic pathologies of other organs and systems. Patients are advised to closely monitor their own health and avoid excessive physical strain. People around the patient should create a calm environment and not provoke the development of a stressful state in the sick person.

The patient should get rid of bad habits and change his place of work if it is associated with harmful production factors. A properly selected diet will significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease in predisposed individuals.

Patients are advised to completely or partially exclude salty, bitter and fatty foods from their diet. Consume more lactic acid products, fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meat as protein.

Complications of the disease

Typically, complications with sinus tachycardia develop very rarely, and only in extremely advanced pathological conditions.

The most likely complications include:

  • state of shock against the background of suddenly developing arrhythmia;
  • acute insufficiency of functional activity of the myocardium;
  • sudden coronary death;
  • ventricular fibrillation;
  • clinical death;

If complications develop, the patient undergoes immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Carrying out resuscitation measures may not be appropriate in case of prolonged and progressive organic heart damage and if the patient refuses treatment. Among the complications of the disease, one should highlight the consequences of self-treatment, which manifest themselves in the form of aggravation of the initial condition, collapse of the cardiovascular system and pronounced allergic reactions.

Prognosis for recovery

Most often, sinus tachycardia develops against the background of organic disorders of the functioning of the heart; this may be associated with chronic heart failure or coronary heart disease. With such diseases, the sinus node may be directly affected, and drug therapy can no longer affect a favorable outcome of the disease. The only treatment option in such cases is surgery.

The prognosis for complete recovery in such patients is minimal or almost impossible. If tachycardia is provoked by any other etiological factors, the situation is reparable; after properly selected drug treatment, patients fully recover.

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The heart contracts under the influence of impulses produced by the sinus node. If, under the influence of certain reasons, it begins to produce impulses at an increased speed, sinus tachycardia occurs. It represents a significant increase in heart rate (in an adult - above 90 beats per minute, in a child - 10% above the age norm) while maintaining a normal rhythm. Physiologically caused tachycardia is not dangerous and is considered a variant of the norm; pathological tachycardia indicates a serious illness and requires treatment.

Why does the disease occur?

Sinusoidal tachycardia can occur at any age, but it occurs slightly more often in women than in men. An increase in sinus rhythm due to physical activity is a normal reaction of the body to stress, caused by the need for additional blood flow to the internal organs to provide them with oxygen. It is typical for children under 7 years of age and athletes, and can also appear after drinking coffee, alcohol, certain medications, or with a sudden change in body position.

An alarming signal is pronounced tachycardia of a pathological type. It develops in a calm state or becomes a complication of some disease, and therefore requires careful diagnosis.

Intracardiac factors

Intracardiac causes of sinus tachycardia are directly related to abnormalities in the functioning of the heart. In most cases, the disease develops as a result of pathology of the left ventricle, in which the myocardium begins to contract at an accelerated pace. Under such conditions, the heart cavities do not have time to fill with blood during diastole, and the release of blood into the bloodstream decreases.

Other intracardial factors leading to sinus tachycardia include:

  • chronic heart failure;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • ischemia with severe attacks of angina;
  • cardiomyopathy;
  • bacterial endocarditis;
  • myocarditis;
  • cardiosclerosis;
  • heart defects;
  • adhesive pericarditis.

Extracardiac factors

Various pathologies that develop outside the cardiac cavities also lead to the occurrence of sinus tachycardia. In women (less often in men), this disease can be triggered by endocrine disorders, including:

  • anemia;
  • renal colic;
  • thyrotoxicosis;
  • hypoxemia;
  • pheochromocytoma.

Neurogenic tachycardia is a separate type, to which young boys and girls with an unstable nervous system are more susceptible. This pathology is caused by neuroses, neurocirculatory dystonia, and affective type psychoses.

Sinus tachycardia is often provoked by infectious and inflammatory diseases:

  • angina;
  • tuberculosis;
  • pneumonia;
  • sepsis.

In such cases, the sinus rhythm becomes more frequent following an increase in temperature. If not detected and treated in a timely manner, tachycardia enters the chronic stage and becomes irreversible.

How does the disease manifest itself?

The clinical picture of sinus tachycardia is determined by many factors. Among them are the nature of the underlying disease, the duration and intensity of symptoms. With moderate sinus tachycardia, the heart rate reaches 90-120 beats per minute. This condition does not threaten health and indicates that a normal physiological mechanism has been activated to overcome emotional stress or increased physical activity. Symptoms are usually mild or completely absent.

If the pulse quickens to 150-180 beats per minute, severe tachycardia is diagnosed. It is accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • pain and heaviness in the chest;
  • discomfort in the heart area;
  • general weakness;
  • dyspnea;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • sleep problems;
  • dizziness;
  • decreased ability to work;
  • lack of appetite;
  • cold extremities;
  • increased anxiety;
  • irritability;
  • convulsions (very rare).

There are also inadequate and adequate sinus tachycardias. In both cases, attacks are accompanied by similar symptoms. However, with inadequate tachycardia, the rapid pulse does not decrease even at rest and after taking medications.

If a person has concomitant heart disease, including atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, rapid heartbeat can aggravate signs of heart failure or cause an attack of angina.

With severe pathology, dizziness is sometimes followed by fainting, which indicates a violation of blood delivery to the organs due to reduced cardiac output. In case of damage to the cerebral vessels, focal neurological disorders are possible. If the tachycardia becomes protracted, a gradual drop in pressure occurs and arterial hypotension develops. At the same time, urination becomes difficult, legs and arms become cold.

Diagnostics

If sinus tachycardia is suspected, only a cardiologist can make the correct diagnosis. First, the doctor will conduct a thorough interview of the patient. Then he will prescribe laboratory and clinical tests:

  1. Complete blood count (sinus tachycardia can be caused by leukemia or anemia).
  2. Blood and urine tests for thyroid hormone levels.
  3. ECG (analysis of the rhythm and frequency of heart contractions to exclude ventricular tachycardia, the treatment of which is slightly different).
  4. Ultrasound of the heart (assessment of the functions of the valves and myocardium allows us to identify hypertension, ischemia of the heart vessels, and heart defects).
  5. Holter ECG monitoring (monitoring myocardial parameters 24 hours a day to analyze its work in sleep and wakefulness modes).

On an ECG, sinus tachycardia will look a certain way:

  • in adults, the waves practically do not differ from the norm; in children, a smoothed or negative T wave appears;
  • the R-R, Q-T and T-P intervals are noticeably shortened (the P wave in some cases overlaps the T from the previous complex);
  • with severe tachycardia, the ST segment is shifted below the isoline.

Treatment methods

Treatment for sinus tachycardia should be prescribed by a doctor based on test results. Most likely, he will prescribe medications and also recommend that the patient eliminate factors that provoke increased heart rate:

  • strong tea and coffee;
  • alcohol;
  • smoking;
  • spicy dishes;
  • chocolate;
  • physical exercise;
  • psycho-emotional stress.

In addition to tablets, proven folk remedies are sometimes used. However, this is only possible if agreed with the attending physician.

Treatment in hospital

The main method of treating sinus tachycardia is medication, aimed at eliminating the root cause of the arrhythmia, that is, the underlying disease. The patient is managed by a cardiologist, but sometimes consultations with other specialists are also required, including a neurologist and endocrinologist.

Patients are advised to take the following medications:

  • sedatives;
  • beta blockers;
  • calcium antagonists.

If conservative therapy does not give the expected result, the patient is prescribed transvenous RFA of the heart. This procedure involves cauterizing the affected area of ​​the heart, thereby normalizing the heart rate. In severe cases of the disease, an electrical pacemaker is implanted into the patient as an artificial pacemaker.

Traditional medicine methods

In the arsenal of traditional medicine to restore normal sinus rhythm there are a variety of tinctures and decoctions based on herbs. However, the patient must remember that self-medication in this case is unacceptable. Home remedies can only be used in combination with basic methods of therapy and only with the permission of a doctor.

Tincture of valerian and motherwort

To prepare a medicinal mixture, take 200 g of dried motherwort and valerian roots, as well as 100 g of yarrow and anise. Mix the ingredients. 1 tbsp. l. Pour a glass of boiling water over the herbs and leave to steep for half an hour. Drink in equal portions throughout the day.

Alcohol tincture with lemon balm

Melissa calms and evens out the emotional background, so it has long been used by traditional healers to treat sinus tachycardia. Pour 100 g of dried herb with a glass of alcohol, leave to infuse under a tight lid for 10 days. Then strain and drink 4 times a day, 1 tbsp. l., diluted in 50 ml of water.

Signs of sinus tachycardia are most often found in healthy people when they exercise, smoke a cigarette, or drink alcohol or strong coffee. Therefore, to prevent the disease, it is necessary to fight bad habits and monitor the amount of physical activity. If sinus tachycardia is caused by certain diseases, it is important to undergo medical diagnosis in a timely manner. In most cases, medications help normalize well-being.

Sinus tachycardia - a rhythm disorder in which the heart rate exceeds 90 beats per minute.

Normally, the function of the pacemaker is performed by the sinus node, which is located at the junction of the vena cava into the right atrium. Sinus tachycardia occurs when the activity of the sinus node increases. In this case, the correct sinus rhythm is maintained, and the heart rate exceeds 90 beats per minute.

Depending on the cause, there are two types of sinus tachycardia:

  1. Physiological, which is the reaction of the adaptation to an external stimulus. Occurs under the following conditions:
    • physical activity;
    • increased body or environmental temperature;
    • psycho-emotional stress;
    • climbing to heights;
    • overeating;
    • drinking drinks such as coffee, energy drinks, and alcoholic drinks.
  2. Pathological, in which sinus tachycardia is a symptom of a disease. Such diseases include:
    • from the cardiovascular system (coronary heart disease, myocarditis, heart defects, and so on);
    • thyrotoxicosis;
    • anemia;
    • some infectious diseases.

The prognosis for sinus tachycardia is usually favorable. In most cases, a medication is selected, the constant use of which corrects this condition. In rare cases, when conservative treatment methods become ineffective, a more radical method is resorted to - surgery.

Symptoms


Often, sinus tachycardia does not manifest itself clinically, and therefore a person does not seek help from a specialist. It is not uncommon for sinus tachycardia to be detected on an ECG during an annual examination.

The following symptoms may occur with sinus tachycardia:

  • feeling of palpitations, interruptions in heart function, “fading” of the heart;
  • periodic dizziness, occasional loss of consciousness;
  • flashing “flies” before the eyes;
  • periodic discomfort in the heart area, occasionally chest pain;
  • shortness of breath of a mixed nature during physical activity.

Nonspecific symptoms such as decreased performance, increased fatigue, and drowsiness may also occur.

Diagnostics


At the appointment, the doctor clarifies the complaints that are troubling the patient, after which he begins to measure blood pressure, count pulse and heart rate (heart rate). Normal heart rate varies from 60 to 90 beats per minute. When the heart rate increases above 90 beats per minute and sinus rhythm is maintained, the presence of sinus tachycardia is indicated.

The simplest instrumental diagnostic method that confirms the presence of sinus tachycardia in a patient is an ECG. The essence of the method is to register electrical currents arising during the work of the heart muscle, followed by graphic recording on a special paper film. This research method does not require any preliminary preparation from the patient. During the study, it is important to remain still so as not to distort the reliability of the result obtained. Registration of an electrocardiogram takes a short period of time, which is why it is not always possible to register an episode of sinus tachycardia during the study. Therefore, in some cases, patients who have complaints of general weakness, a feeling of palpitations and interruptions in heart function are prescribed daily ECG monitoring (Holter ECG). The essence of the study is continuous recording of an ECG for 1 day (24 hours); recording for 48 and 72 hours is less commonly used. ECG recording is carried out using a portable device, which is continuously with the patient throughout the day. The weight of such a device does not exceed 500g, so no discomfort, including a feeling of heaviness, occurs during the study. During the study, it is recommended to lead a normal lifestyle in order to get a result close to reality. It is recommended to keep a diary in which changes in physical activity (climbing stairs, jogging, etc.), taking any medications, exposure to psycho-emotional stress, and sleep time are noted. This is necessary to reconcile the results with environmental factors. In addition, it is important to take some precautions:

  • Avoid getting liquid on the sensors;
  • do not set up the device yourself;
  • Avoid overcooling or, conversely, overheating of equipment.

In addition, to identify any heart disease leading to sinus tachycardia, an ultrasound examination of the heart is performed. Using this study, you can evaluate the work of the heart, the size of its chambers, measure the pressure in the cavities of the heart, and study the condition of the great vessels and valves. Coronary angiography can also be performed - a radiopaque research method that allows one to identify the location and degree of narrowing of the coronary arteries, which underlies the diagnosis of coronary heart disease. Like any invasive procedure, coronary angiography may be accompanied by the development of a number of complications, and therefore this study is performed only in exceptional cases.

General laboratory tests (urinalysis, complete blood count, biochemical blood test) can indicate the presence of a disease of which sinus tachycardia is a symptom, for example, anemia. Also for this purpose, in some cases it is recommended to take a thyroid hormone test, which is necessary to assess its functioning.

Treatment


First of all, in addition to therapy prescribed by a specialist, it is necessary to give up bad habits: smoking, drug addiction, drinking alcohol. In addition, it is recommended to refrain from drinking strong coffee, green tea and energy drinks. The diet consists of limiting fatty, smoked and salty foods, as well as increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, rich in essential vitamins and microelements. In addition, you should follow a daily routine and rest schedule, and do not forget about the importance of playing sports.

Conservative treatment consists of prescribing medications. As a rule, for sinus tachycardia, β-blockers are used, which, by acting on the receptors of the heart muscle, cause a decrease in heart rate. The selection of the drug is carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor who evaluates the effectiveness of the treatment. If necessary, the dosage and frequency of taking the drug is adjusted or it is discontinued and then replaced with another drug.

If conservative treatment is ineffective, more radical methods of treatment are resorted to. If necessary, the following surgical operations can be performed:

  • radiofrequency ablation. The essence of the operation is to eliminate pathological pathways that are the source of arrhythmia. The pathological focus is eliminated by “cauterization” using radiofrequency energy;
  • installation of a pacemaker - insertion under the skin (under the right or left collarbone, occasionally in the area of ​​the anterior abdominal wall) of a special small device that controls the heart rhythm;
  • installation of a cardioverter-defibrillator. This device, like a pacemaker, monitors the heart's rhythm. Implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator is performed in patients at high risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias (eg, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation), since these arrhythmias can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

Currently, surgery to treat cardiac arrhythmias is an affordable, effective and safe method.

Medicines


β-blockers are used to treat sinus tachycardia. The most common representatives of this group include:

  • bisoprolol. Usually prescribed once in the morning. In most cases, the dose of the drug is selected by prescribing a minimum dose, which is gradually increased until the desired result of therapy appears. The maximum daily dose is 20 mg. If necessary, discontinuation of the drug is carried out gradually, since abrupt withdrawal can lead to an exacerbation of the condition;
  • metoprolol The drug has an effect not only in reducing heart rate, but also helps lower blood pressure, which is important for patients suffering from arterial hypertension. The clinical effect of metoprolol develops 1.5 - 2 hours after administration. The maximum daily dose of the drug is 200 mg;
  • carvedilol. In addition to its main effect, carvedilol has an antihypertensive effect, reduces left ventricular hypertrophy, and has antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. The maximum concentration of the drug in the blood plasma is achieved 1 to 2 hours after administration.

The listed drugs should be taken under control of heart rate (heart rate). It is important to measure your heart rate daily (at least in the morning and evening) to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. A decrease in heart rate below 55 beats per minute is an indication for reducing the dosage of the drug or discontinuing it. If tachycardia persists while taking any of the beta-blockers, the dose or frequency of the drug is increased; if there is no effect after the above steps, the drug is replaced.

The most common side effects that develop while taking β-blockers are the following:

  • from the central nervous system (general weakness, increased fatigue, headache, sleep disorder);
  • from the cardiovascular system (pain or discomfort in the heart, decreased blood pressure, bradycardia);
  • from the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, stool disorder in the form of constipation or diarrhea);
  • from the respiratory system (taking high doses leads to the development of broncho-obstruction, which causes shortness of breath);
  • from the endocrine system (hyper- or hypoglycemia, hypothyroid state);
  • if you are allergic to the drug, skin manifestations of allergy appear (itching, urticaria) or anaphylactic shock develops.

Contraindications for use:

  • individual intolerance;
  • arterial hypotension;
  • atrioventricular block 2 or 3 degrees;
  • bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
  • pregnancy and lactation period.

Folk remedies


There are traditional medicines that can reduce heart rate. However, it is worth noting that in no case should you self-medicate; you must carefully follow all the recommendations of your doctor. Before using any folk remedy based on medicinal herbs, you should consult your doctor. We offer you the following recipes:

  • Pre-grind the valerian root and dry it. Take 1 tablespoon of the resulting raw material and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Let it brew for 1 - 2 hours, after which the infusion is ready for use. It is recommended to take 1/3 cup 3 times a day. The average course of treatment is 3 weeks;
  • take 1 tablespoon of pre-prepared motherwort and pour 200 ml of boiling water, let it brew for 10 - 20 minutes. It is recommended to drink a glass of the resulting infusion throughout the day. The course of treatment is 2 weeks;
  • take lemon balm and valerian root. Mix the listed collection components in equal proportions. Then a small amount of yarrow is added to the resulting collection. One tablespoon of the collection is poured into a glass of cold water and infused for 3 hours, after which the infusion is simmered in a water bath for 20 - 30 minutes. The finished broth should be carefully strained to prevent the ingress of small parts of raw materials. It is recommended to take 2-3 sips throughout the day. The course of treatment is 2 – 3 weeks;
  • take 1 tablespoon of dried hawthorn leaves and flowers, pour 1 glass of boiling water, let it brew for 2 - 3 hours. After carefully filtering through a strainer, the infusion becomes ready for use. It is recommended to take 2 tablespoons 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 – 3 weeks;
  • Grate the turnips on a fine grater, take 2 tablespoons of the resulting mass and pour a glass of boiling water. Place on the fire and simmer over low heat for 15 - 20 minutes. Let the broth cool, after which it should be strained. It is recommended to take ½ glass 2 times a day after meals;
  • Take 1 tablespoon of dried rose hips and rinse them thoroughly under running water. Pour 500 ml of boiling water over the dried berries and let it brew for 6 hours, after which the finished infusion should be strained. It is recommended to drink half a glass 3 times a day.

It is important to emphasize once again that before using traditional medicine, you should consult with a qualified specialist. In addition, the use of folk remedies without medications is allowed only for mild tachycardia, when there are no hemodynamic disturbances.

The information is for reference only and is not a guide to action. Do not self-medicate. At the first symptoms of the disease, consult a doctor.


Sinus tachycardia is characterized by rapid heartbeat and occurs in almost all age categories. It is often determined during routine examinations in adolescents and even young children. How dangerous is sinus tachycardia and what does modern medicine offer to treat the disease?

During anxiety, physical exertion, and emotional stress, the heart beats rapidly. Some reported palpitations after a heavy dinner or strong coffee. All these factors can indeed cause sinus tachycardia, which normally goes away over time. This is due to the fact that a healthy heart copes with the tested load, while blood circulation in other organs and systems is not impaired.

Tachycardia- this is a healthy reaction of the body caused by certain factors. It is necessary in order to compensate for the increased work of organs and systems that require a constant supply of blood.

In some cases, tachycardia is a pathological condition that causes certain clinical manifestations. It can be either an independent disease or associated with other organs - the brain, pancreas or thyroid gland, lungs, intestines. In such cases, a correctly established diagnosis and timely treatment will avoid complications directly related to tachycardia.

Description of sinus tachycardia

It is a form of arrhythmia with supraventricular localization (in the atria). The main feature of the manifestation is an accelerated sinus rhythm, in which its regularity and balance of the work of the ventricles and atria are maintained. The average heart rate for sinus tachycardia is 115 beats per minute, although sometimes the rate reaches 220 beats per minute.

In adults, tachycardia is considered a rapid heartbeat of 100 beats per minute, in children - from 120 beats per minute.

Symptoms of sinus tachycardia

Subjective sensations may not be noted if the condition of the heart, valves and blood vessels is close to normal. Also, signs such as slight discomfort in the chest, infrequent pain in the heart that does not cause fatigue, and weakness that does not affect performance are not cause for concern.

It is worth considering whether sinus tachycardia is dangerous if the following symptoms occur:

  • heartbeat is defined as pronounced and frequent;
  • in a calm state, shortness of breath is felt and there is a feeling of lack of air;
  • weakness prevents you from working normally;
  • possible loss of consciousness;
  • irritability, restlessness, anxiety and fear appeared;
  • Heart pain appears in a calm state and does not go away for a long time.

In addition to subjective signs, a prolonged attack of sinus tachycardia is characterized by objective manifestations - pallor of the skin, mild excitability. Urine formation is scanty, blood pressure decreases.

Causes of sinus tachycardia

There are two types of tachycardia - physiological and pathological. The first form most often occurs due to external factors, which can be represented by physical work, psycho-emotional stress, and the use of tonic substances (caffeine, alcohol, energy drinks). Upon cessation of the influence of the factors that caused the tachycardia, normalization of the general condition is noted.

Pathological sinus tachycardia is of clinical significance, since the symptoms of the disease do not go away in a calm state. A person cannot fully rest and work, so medical intervention is required. Several groups of causes, conventionally divided into extracardiac and cardiac, play an important role here. The first group includes the following influencing factors:

  • Neurogenic disorders that contribute to the development of so-called vagal arrhythmia, vegetative-vascular and intercostal tachycardia.
  • Endocrine disorders, which due to hormonal imbalance lead to accelerated heart function. This is especially common in thyrotoxicosis and adrenal tumors. Diabetes mellitus can also cause pancreatic arrhythmia.
  • Other extracardiac causes include: injuries with severe blood loss, prolonged febrile states, hypoxia, anemia of various origins, taking medications (caffeine, sympathomimetics).

Cardiac causes are associated with disruption of the cardiovascular system. Of these, the main ones are:

  • Cardiomyopathies.
  • Inflammatory diseases of the myocardium.
  • Heart failure, most often chronic.
  • All forms of coronary heart disease.
  • Heart defects (acquired and congenital).

Types of sinus tachycardia

In children In a normal state, an accelerated heartbeat is observed. The occurrence of sinus tachycardia in childhood can be associated with fever, acute infectious processes, and disorders of the nervous system. The state of the pulse mainly depends on the age of the child, so you need to check the heart rate table calculated by age:

Table: Normal ranges for sinus tachycardia

Video - sinus tachycardia in children

In teenagers The most common is functional tachycardia, which develops against the background of emotional lability and is characterized by neurogenic disorders. It manifests itself as increased fatigue, weakness, irritability, there are signs of an imbalance of the vegetative-vascular system - sweating, dizziness, a feeling of trembling, frequent urination.

In pregnant women Often there are attacks of palpitations, which occur even in those who have not previously felt this. This is associated with an increase in blood volume in a woman’s body, an increase in the load on the heart muscle, and changes in the hormonal state in the body. Also, an enlarging uterus increases pressure in the abdominal cavity, which also contributes to the development of palpitations. To avoid complications in the form of gestosis, antenatal clinics closely monitor the progress of pregnancy.


Video - sinus tachycardia during pregnancy

In older people Due to the weakening of many processes in the body, the risk of developing sinus angina increases. As a rule, at this age there are already many diseases that more or less provoke its development.

Complications and consequences of the pathological form of sinus tachycardia

It may be complicated by congestion in the circulatory system, resulting in acute and chronic heart failure. If tachycardia developed against the background of other heart diseases, their course is more complex. For example, angina becomes more severe, and recurrent myocardial infarction is possible. Rhythm disturbances involve other internal organs in the pathological process. Pulmonary edema may develop or blood supply to the brain may deteriorate.

Diagnosis of sinus tachycardia

The examination of the patient begins with his questioning and objective examination. Next, laboratory and instrumental tests are prescribed - electrocardiography, echocardiography, ultrasound of the heart, blood biochemistry, urine analysis, and hormonal indicators are determined.

Electrocardiography is the main method for diagnosing sinus tachycardia, available at any level of patient care. The key ECG signs are:

  • correct sinus rhythm is maintained;
  • Heart rate is more than 90 per minute;
  • the P wave is defined as positive in all major leads;
  • there is a shorter distance (interval) between the P waves;
  • The T wave may be enlarged or reduced.

Prevention of pathological sinus tachycardia

Is in the organization healthy lifestyle And proper diet. Mainly worth:

  • Do not abuse alcohol and do not smoke;
  • Play sports and spend every day as actively as possible;
  • Take food slowly and in small portions;
  • Sleep should be complete and refreshing;
  • Maintain a positive mood in yourself and others;
  • Do not overwork at work and alternate between workload and rest.

Treatment of pathological sinus tachycardia

It is compiled on the basis of collected complaints, an objective examination, instrumental and laboratory studies. An assessment of disorders of the cardiovascular system and other organs is carried out.

Physiological sinus tachycardia does not require specific treatment. If a person experiences periodic palpitations that do not cause discomfort and go away on their own, then it is enough to carry out basic prevention of the disease.


The pathological form is considered primarily in the context of the underlying disease. To begin with, drug treatment is prescribed. If these are endocrine disorders, then sinus tachycardia is treated by the treating endocrinologist. Treatment of palpitations in combination with cardiovascular diseases is carried out by a cardiologist, taking into account the medications allowed for taking. Neurogenic disorders that cause heart palpitations should be corrected by a neurologist.

There are non-drug treatments for sinus tachycardia. First of all, this is physical therapy. Water treatments in the form of a swimming pool and relaxing baths, and massage can also be prescribed. For neurogenic arrhythmias, consultations with a psychotherapist help, since it is important for patients to cope with their fears and experiences.

Drugs

These are mainly antiarrhythmic medications. A number of them improve innervation of the heart (magnesium sulfate, potassium preparations, membrane stabilizers, calcium ion antagonists), others directly affect the heart muscle (sympathomimetics, β-blockers and β-adrenergic agonists). There are also combination medications, such as cardiac glycosides, which affect the innervation of the heart and myocardium at the same time.