14 Nisan 2022

Rhythm Disorder-What is Arrhythmia?

Palpitations are a common symptom. It can occur in a wide range of conditions, from a simple situation that we can feel in daily life, such as excitement or excessive exertion, to diseases accompanied by more serious symptoms. When the cause of palpitation as a symptom is detected as irregular heartbeats, it is called "Rhythmia Disorder-Arrhythmia".

It should be decided in which situations to worry and consult a doctor, by how much it disrupts the comfort of daily life. It is important to diagnose if accompanied by symptoms such as fainting or fainting, sudden onset and ending, chest pain and shortness of breath. It may be the first sign of serious heart problems (cardiovascular occlusion or structural heart disease). While the underlying cause may have simple explanations, there are also some fatal causes.

Rhythm Disorder Symptoms and Causes

What are the Symptoms of Rhythm Disorder?

Rhythm disorders; It may originate from the upper part of the heart, such as sinus tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardias, the junction of the upper-lower part (AV node), and lateral pathways. It can originate from the lower part of the heart, such as ventricular arrhythmias. From where and by which mechanism the rhythm disturbance arises can also show us the damage it will cause. Associated symptoms are also associated with it. Symptoms such as fainting, sudden low blood pressure, chest pain, and shortness of breath are important findings for the severity of the condition.

Rhythm Disorder Treatment

In the presence of the severity of the symptoms and known heart disease (diseases that cause weakening of the heart, cardiovascular occlusions, valve diseases, congenital heart abnormalities, those who have undergone heart surgery), it is absolutely necessary to consult a cardiologist. Diagnosis is the first step of treatment. The history taken during the cardiology examination can be diagnostic. Significant evidence for the cause and diagnosis of rhythm disturbance can be obtained with imaging tests such as Electrocardiography (ECG), Echocardiography (EKO), Rhythm Holter (24-hour rhythm monitoring device) and some blood values. Accordingly, treatment arrangements can be made. However, when these routine examinations do not yield results and the need for diagnosis is of vital importance, Electrophysiological Study (EPS), which is an interventional procedure, is performed.

The heart is a moving organ. It performs the circulation of blood in the body with contraction and relaxation functions. It has an internal electrical-conduction system that provides the contraction-relaxation cycle. The process we call EPS enables the "electrical system" of the heart to be tested. It is an invasive procedure and is performed by means of cables (catheters) that are advanced by entering through the inguinal veins (femoral vein) and have electrical conduction feature. This procedure, which is often performed without the need for anesthesia (anesthesia), provides us with basic information about the conduction properties of the heart. The diagnosis of rhythm disorder can be made with the recordings taken as a result of the warnings given through the cables. With the finding of the source of the rhythm disorder and the resolution of its mechanism, some therapeutic procedures (ablation) can be performed with the same method.

Medical (Drug) Treatment in Rhythm Disorder

Medical treatment is an important step in rhythm disorders. Rhythm-regulating drugs (antiarrhythmics) vary from mild to more potent drugs. Which drug to choose is decided by considering the severity of the rhythm disorder, its mechanism and the symptoms it causes, and the accompanying diseases. In routine cardiology controls, the duration of drug use is determined by evaluating the continuity of drug therapy and possible side effects. In most rhythm disorders, the duration of drug treatments is long.

Ablation, which is another treatment method, is an important option for permanent treatment in long and tiresome rhythm disorders. The ablation process can be done by "heating" with radiofrequency waves or "cooling" with the Cryo method. It is a procedure that aims to eliminate points or paths with arrhythmias. It can be applied in the continuation of the EPS process. The same protocols are followed. It can be performed under anesthesia due to the type and place of origin of the rhythm disorder or due to the duration and risks of the procedure. It is a procedure that is often performed without the need for anesthesia. It can be done on standard and three-dimensional mapping ground. Their decision is made according to the type of rhythm disorder.