respiratory sinus arrhythmia

 OVERVIEW

Sinus arrhythmia is a common variation of normal sinus rhythm. Sinus arrhythmia characteristically presents with an irregular rate where the variation in the R-R interval is greater than 0.12 seconds. In addition, P waves are usually monoform and follow a pattern consistent with atrial activation originating in the sinus node. During respiration, there is intermittent activation of the vagus nerve, resulting in beat-to-beat variations in resting heart rate.When present, a
sinus arrhythmia generally indicates good cardiovascular health.
sinus arrhythmia is a type of arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). In the most common type of sinus arrhythmia, the time between heartbeats can be slightly shorter or longer depending on whether you are breathing in or out. Your heart rate increases when you inhale and slows when you exhale. This type of arrhythmia is considered normal.It's usually a sign that your heart is healthy.
RESPIRATORY SINUS ARRHYTHMIA VS AND OTHER DISORDERS

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia is usually normal and without symptoms, but the following conditions are not normal and have symptoms.

Using EKG results, your doctor will make sure you do not have:

atrial fibrillation.

atrial flutter.

Multifocal atrial tachycardia.Premature atrial contractions (PACs).

Premature ventricular contractions (PVC).

Bradyarrhythmia, such as second and third degree atrioventricular block.

Etiology

Sinus arrhythmia is a variation of the common rhythm. It is most commonly seen in children and young adults.Breathing leads to vagal stimuli that cause variations in the R-R interval. Their presence is usually an indicator of good cardiovascular health. Loss of sinus arrhythmia may indicate underlying heart failure or structural heart disease.
DIAGNOSIS
The most common method of diagnosing an arrhythmia is by electrically recording the heart's rhythm using a device called an electrocardiogram (EKG or EKG).

An EKG, or EKG, measures various aspects of the heart, including rate, rhythm, and intervals between beats.In respiratory sinus arrhythmia, the heart rate per minute is usually normal. However, the time between each beat may vary, indicating an arrhythmia.

The time between each heartbeat is shorter when the person breathes in and longer when he breathes out.

There is often a deviation of more than 0.12 seconds between the longest and the shortest interval.This gives the doctor the clearest indication that the person has a sinus arrhythmia.

What Causes Sinus Arrhythmia?

Providers differentiate the different types of sinus arrhythmias based on their causes.

Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia

It is normal to have a respiratory sinus arrhythmia just because you are breathing. When you breathe, your heart rate increases. As you exhale, it slows down.The time between each heartbeat is called the P-P interval. There is a slight variation of less than 0.16 seconds for most people. In respiratory sinus arrhythmia, the expiratory P-P interval is usually greater than 0.16 seconds.Non-respiratory sinus arrhythmia

On ECG results, a non-respiratory sinus arrhythmia can resemble a respiratory sinus arrhythmia. But people with this type usually:

had a head or neck injury.

You have taken too much digoxin (Digitek®).

You have a heart condition.

Treatment

If you have a sinus arrhythmia, you probably don't need treatment. Because it is considered a common occurrence and does not lead to other problems, treatment is not necessary for most people.Eventually, a sinus arrhythmia may become undetectable as children and young adults age.

If you develop a sinus arrhythmia due to another heart condition, such as a heart condition, your doctor will likely treat the original condition. Treating the condition can help stop the arrhythmia.

The goals of treating a diseased breast are to reduce or eliminate symptoms and control any other contributing health conditions.

Treatment for sick sinus syndrome may include:

Regular check-ups

Medication

Catheter procedures

Surgery to implant a device to keep your heart rhythm regular (pacemaker)

If you have no symptoms, contact Your Medical Care doctor may simply recommend regular health check-ups to monitor your condition.Most people with symptoms need a procedure to implant a device to keep the heart beating regularly (pacemaker).

Medications

Some medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure or heart disease, can affect the function of the sinus node. Your doctor will likely review and adjust the medications you are taking, or prescribe others.

Medications may be needed to prevent or slow rapid heartbeats.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Jantoven), dabigatran (Pradaxa), or others may be prescribed if sick sinus syndrome is associated with atrial fibrillation or other irregular heart rhythms associated with stroke.

Surgery or other procedures

AVA Node AblationOpen pop-up dialog

Cardiac AblationOpen pop-up dialog

Most people with Sick Sinus Syndrome eventually need a permanent device to control their heart rhythm (pacemaker ).A pacemaker is a small battery-powered device that is implanted under the skin near the collarbone during a minor surgical procedure. The pacemaker stimulates (speeds up) the heart as needed to keep it beating regularly.

If symptoms of sick sinus syndrome are mild or infrequent, the decision to use a pacemaker will depend on electrocardiogram (ECG) results, your general health, and risk of more serious problems.

The type of pacemaker you need depends on the type of irregular heart rhythm you have. Pacemaker types include:

single-chamber pacemakers.This type normally conducts electrical signals to the lower right chamber (ventricle) of the heart.

Dual Chamber Pacemaker. This type stimulates the right lower chamber of the heart (ventricle) and the right upper chamber of the heart (atrium) separately. Most people with sick sinus syndrome benefit from dual-chamber pacemakers.

Biventricular pacemaker.Biventricular pacing, also called cardiac resynchronization therapy, is for people with heart failure and heartbeat problems. This type of pacemaker stimulates the two lower chambers of the heart (the left and right ventricles) to make the heart beat more efficiently.

If your heart rhythm remains irregular after a pacemaker is installed, you may need medication or a catheter-based procedure called cardiac ablation to correct or control it. Cardiac ablation uses heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart to block erroneous signals and restore a regular heartbeat. This is usually done using thin, flexible tubes called catheters that are inserted through veins or arteries.Less commonly, ablation is performed during cardiac surgery. A type of
cardiac ablation, called an AV node ablation, is commonly used to control rapid heart rhythms in people with pacemakers.