Not long ago, Dr. Clove pushed a popular science article on heartbeat (< < the heart often [fawn bumps], who caused the disaster > >). Many readers backstage left messages saying that they sometimes suddenly felt that the heart thumped or the electrocardiogram report suggested [premature beats].
A sudden heart thump is probably what we call premature beats in medicine. Since so many people are interested, let’s follow Dr. Clove to have a good understanding today.
Is what premature?
Premature beat, that is, the early beating of the heart, belongs to a kind of arrhythmia. It includes the following conditions:
- Atrial premature beat; atrioventricular junctional premature beat; ventricular premature beat; atrioventricular premature beat; atrioventricular premature beat; atrioventricular premature beat
With so many nouns, do you look a little dizzy? Let’s review the knowledge of last lesson first.
The [Intelligence Network] in the Heart
The heart is a structure similar to two chambers and two halls, with left and right atria and left and right ventricles respectively. The rich [information network] of the heart continuously transmits signals, so that the atria and ventricles can work normally regularly.
This complex and perfect [information network] is commanded by the sinus node located in the atrium, which causes the atrium to contract and at the same time transmits the command all the way downstream through the [information network] of the atrium, eventually causing the ventricles to contract and pumping blood into the whole body of the human body.
Why do premature beats occur?
If any of the [little soldiers] in the [intelligence network] have problems, premature beats will occur.
For example, a [Batman] in the atrium is suddenly too excited to wait for the sinus node’s command and gives the command on his own initiative, causing the whole heart to contract prematurely, which is called atrial premature.
If it is the [small soldier] in the atrial and ventricular junction area who cannot bear it, it will cause atrioventricular junction premature beats. Similarly, ventricular [small soldiers] disorderly command can cause ventricular premature.
Is the [soldier] of the [intelligence network] sick?
Heart [Batman], like human beings, has many reasons for their abnormal activities, sometimes only temporary excitement, and sometimes it may indicate serious diseases.
1. Cardiac structure and function are normal
Not all premature beats have abnormal cardiac structure and function.
- Emotions: Tension, anxiety and fatigue are all the causes of premature beats. Drug effects: Taking certain drugs, such as antidepressants and antibiotics, can also induce premature beats; Electrolyte disturbance: Severe diarrhea, large use of diuretics, etc. cause electrolyte disturbance, such as low potassium and low magnesium, which can cause premature beats; Others: Hyperthyroidism or drinking alcohol may also induce premature beats.
2. Abnormal cardiac structure and function
Abnormalities in cardiac structure and function can undoubtedly affect the normal operation of [information network].
For example, heart valve diseases, hypertensive heart diseases, coronary heart diseases, pulmonary heart diseases, hyperthyroidism, etc. can all cause premature beats, especially diseases such as myocardial infarction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, etc., which seriously damage ventricular muscle function, are more likely to cause premature ventricles.
Occasional palpitation or heart thumping, don’t be too nervous; However, if there is often similar discomfort, it is better to go to the cardiology department of the hospital to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Do you need to take medicine for premature beats?
Not all premature beats require medicine!
First of all, doctors will suggest a 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram examination, which is what doctors often call [memorizing a Holter].
Holter is a portable dynamic electrocardiogram monitor, which can be carried on the body and continuously record how many premature beats of which nature and whether other arrhythmias occur in the patient within 24 hours. This information helps doctors understand the overall situation of the [information network] for further treatment.
If there is only a small amount of premature beats, especially atrial premature beats, and there is no obvious symptom of palpitation, antiarrhythmic drug therapy is usually not required.
In addition, the treatment of premature beats also pays attention to both the symptoms and root causes. Finding the cause of premature beats is half the battle.
If it is because you are too tired, then wash and sleep first.
If you can quit because of exciting drinks such as coffee and alcohol, quit.
If it is because of hyperthyroidism, go to the endocrinology department first.
If it is because of the heart itself, such as coronary heart disease, heart valve disease, myocarditis, etc. mentioned earlier, actively treat these causes first. These diseases often have caused permanent damage to the [information network], and antiarrhythmic drugs are often needed for treatment at this time.
How to eat drugs for treating premature beats?
There are many antiarrhythmic drugs and their use is complicated, and some antiarrhythmic drugs themselves may cause arrhythmia. Therefore, regular follow-up visits by cardiologists are required and medication is adjusted under the guidance of professional cardiologists.
It is absolutely undesirable or even extremely dangerous to think that the number of premature beats has decreased and the condition has improved, and reduce one tablet of medicine, or to add one tablet of medicine without authorization because one feels that premature beats are too much, or to listen to others say that taking a certain drug is too little premature beats and taking the same drug on one’s own. Specific medication or please ask a professional doctor to help you make a decision!
Can radiofrequency ablation treat premature beats?
As mentioned earlier, premature beats are caused by some [small soldiers] of [intelligence networks] not keeping their peace, so smart cardiologists find these [disobedient bad molecules] through various clues provided by electrocardiograms, and then extinguish them through radio frequency current, thus eliminating premature beats.
However, not all premature beats are suitable for radiofrequency ablation.
Imagine that it is not easy to find those bad [soldiers] in the vast sea of people, so doctors will only consider radiofrequency ablation if there are some special premature beats, severe symptoms and poor drug treatment.
Is radiofrequency ablation 100% successful?
Not all radiofrequency ablation can be successful, because sometimes those bad guys are really hidden too deep.
Radiofrequency ablation is not a once-and-for-all solution. If something goes wrong with the heart itself, It leads to the rebellion of [small soldiers] in [intelligence network], which is always one after another. Radiofrequency ablation can kill large-scale rebellion at one time and greatly reduce the number of premature beats, but for those potential small rebellion that are stirring, it can only be controlled by drugs.
Do you need to completely eliminate [premature beats]?
Premature beats are not like colds and fevers that can be eliminated without a trace by treatment. There is not a trace left.
Moreover, normal people occasionally have premature beats.
According to the individual situation, the therapeutic purpose has been achieved by treating the etiology, combining antiarrhythmic drugs, supplemented by rest, avoiding nervousness and stimulating food, and controlling the number of premature beats within a certain range.