About-Cardio
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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 EKG Heart Rhythms
Introduction
Electrocardiography (EKG or ECG) is a crucial tool for evaluating heart rhythms. It records the electrical activity of the heart and helps diagnose various cardiac conditions.
Normal vs. Abnormal Rhythms
1. Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR)
- The heartbeat originates from the sinoatrial (SA) node.
- Rate: 60–100 beats per minute (bpm).
- Regular rhythm with normal P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves.
2. Common Abnormal Rhythms
A. Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
- Sinus Bradycardia: HR < 60 bpm, common in athletes and during sleep.
- Heart Block: A delay or blockage in electrical conduction, classified as first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree.
B. Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate)
- Sinus Tachycardia: HR > 100 bpm, often caused by stress, fever, or dehydration.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Irregular, rapid rhythm with no distinct P waves.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Rapid rhythm originating above the ventricles.
- Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Dangerous rhythm that may lead to cardiac arrest.
C. Irregular Rhythms
- Atrial Flutter: "Sawtooth" pattern of atrial waves.
- Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs): Extra beats originating from the ventricles.
- Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): Life-threatening, chaotic electrical activity that requires immediate defibrillation.
Diagnosis and Management
- Diagnosis: EKG interpretation by a doctor, Holter monitoring, stress tests.
- Treatment: Medications, pacemakers, cardioversion, catheter ablation, or lifestyle changes.
Conclusion
Understanding EKG rhythms is essential for detecting and managing heart disorders. If you experience palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain, consult a doctor immediately.
Source recommendations
1. 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
2. American Heart Association Guidelines on Electrocardiography
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/electrocardiogram-ecg-or-ekg
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191095
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281932/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.106.180200
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10483977/
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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!
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Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.