Understanding Sinus Rhythm

Introduction

Sinus rhythm is the normal rhythm of your heart that originates from the sinoatrial (SA) node , which is often called the "natural pacemaker" of the heart. It ensures that your heart beats in a coordinated and regular manner.

Characteristics of Normal Sinus Rhythm:

• Heart rate between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm) .
• Each heartbeat starts from the SA node and follows a normal electrical pathway.
• The P wave on an ECG (electrocardiogram) appears before each QRS complex , indicating proper atrial activation.
• Regular and consistent heartbeats.

Why is Sinus Rhythm Important?

A normal sinus rhythm allows for efficient pumping of blood to the body. Any disruption can lead to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), affecting circulation and health.

Sinus Rhythm Abnormalities

1. Sinus Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)

• Heart rate below 60 bpm .
• Can be seen in athletes or during sleep.
• Causes: Hypothyroidism, heart block, medication side effects.

2. Sinus Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate)

• Heart rate above 100 bpm .
• Causes: Fever, stress, dehydration, anemia, excessive caffeine intake.

3. Irregular Sinus Rhythm (Sinus Arrhythmia)

• Normal variation, especially in young people.
• Heart rate changes with breathing (increases when breathing in and slows when exhaling).

Diagnosis of Sinus Rhythm

A doctor can check sinus rhythm using an ECG (electrocardiogram) , which records the heart's electrical activity. If irregularities are found, further tests such as Holter monitoring , echocardiography , or stress tests may be needed.

Maintaining Healthy Sinus Rhythm

• Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health.
• Balanced diet , including low salt and heart-friendly foods.
• Stress management techniques like yoga or meditation.
• Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, or smoking .
• Regular medical check-ups , especially if symptoms like dizziness or palpitations appear.

A regular sinus rhythm is essential for heart health and overall well-being. Monitoring your heart and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart rhythm disorders.

Source recommendations

1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Rhythm Disorders

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
2. https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27079335/
4. https://www.acc.org/about-acc/press-releases/2019/03/06/10/29/low-carb-diet-tied-to-common-heart-rhythm-disorder
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19038677/

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Sinus Rhythm and Arrhythmias

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16935995/
2. https://www.escardio.org/Sub-specialty-communities/European-Heart-Rhythm-Association-(EHRA)
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16949478/
4. https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(23)02246-4/fulltext
5. https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf