-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Cardiac Rhythm
Introduction
Cardiac rhythm refers to the pattern and speed of the electrical impulses that regulate heartbeats. A healthy heart rhythm ensures efficient blood circulation to the body.
How Does the Heart's Electrical System Work?
The heart has a natural pacemaker called the sinoatrial (SA) node , which generates electrical impulses. These impulses travel through special pathways: 1. SA node → Atria contract 2. Impulses reach the atrioventricular (AV) node , where they slow down briefly 3. Then, they travel through the His-Purkinje system to the ventricles → Ventricles contract
Types of Cardiac Rhythms
- Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR) → 60-100 beats per minute, regular and steady rhythm.
- Bradycardia → Slow heart rate (< 60 bpm) that can be normal (e.g., in athletes) or problematic.
- Tachycardia → Fast heart rate (> 100 bpm), which can indicate stress, fever, or arrhythmia.
- Arrhythmia → Any irregular heartbeat that may cause symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or even fainting.
Why is Cardiac Rhythm Important?
A stable rhythm ensures the heart pumps enough blood. Irregular rhythms (arrhythmias) can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.
When to See a Doctor?
- If you experience dizziness, chest pain, fainting, or irregular heartbeats.
- If you have known heart disease or high blood pressure.
Summary
Understanding cardiac rhythm is crucial for heart health. If you suspect any irregularities, consult with a doctor to assess potential risks.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiac Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.