Why Does Heart Rate Irregularity Occur?

Update Date: 2024-05-16 Source: Network

Our heartbeats have certain regularity and range. Arrhythmia refers to a condition where the heartbeat is too fast or too slow. This condition is closely related to our emotions and unhealthy lifestyle habits. For instance, nervous tension, excessive smoking, drinking, coffee consumption, and physical exhaustion can all lead to arrhythmia. Additionally, some heart diseases can also cause arrhythmia in patients.

Arrhythmia refers to a condition where the heart rate is not within the normal range. A heart rate of 160-220 beats per minute is often referred to as paroxysmal tachycardia. A heart rate below 60 beats per minute (usually above 40 beats per minute) is known as sinus bradycardia. A heart rate below 40 beats per minute should be considered as atrioventricular block. A heart rate that is excessively fast, exceeding 160 beats per minute, or excessively slow, below 40 beats per minute, is most commonly seen in patients with heart disease, who often experience symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and discomfort in the precordial region.

1. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia: Respiratory sinus arrhythmia is the most common type of sinus arrhythmia. It mostly occurs in children, young adults, and the elderly, and is less common in middle-aged adults.

2. Non-respiratory sinus arrhythmia: Non-respiratory sinus arrhythmia is less common, and the specific causes are not yet fully understood. Some believe that it may be related to anger, emotional instability, or the use of certain medications (such as digitalis and morphine).

3. Intrasinusal wandering rhythm: This refers to the occurrence of excitation shifting within the sinus node.

4. Sinus arrhythmia related to ventricular contraction and blood ejection: This type of sinus arrhythmia is caused by abnormal ventricular contraction and blood ejection, leading to uneven blood supply to the sinus node and subsequent changes in the autonomy of the sinus node.

5. Sinus arrhythmia induced by ectopic rhythm: Ectopic excitation, especially when originating from the atrium, can sometimes cause premature excitation of the sinus node, followed by suppression of the sinus node, resulting in transient sinus arrhythmia induced by ectopic excitation.

Respiratory arrhythmia caused by the expansion and contraction of the chest during breathing is commonly seen in children and young adults and is mostly of no pathological significance, requiring no treatment. It can also be seen in patients with heart disease. Sinus arrhythmia unrelated to breathing is more common in the elderly and patients with heart disease.