Home Heart healthArrhythmia Respiratory sinus arrhythmia: symptoms and treatment

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia: symptoms and treatment

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

One of the most common heart disorders is arrhythmias. It is defined as an alteration in the heart rate or rhythm of the heart; this can be very accelerated, what is called tachycardia, very slow, known as bradycardia, or irregular. Its consequences can also be multiple: this may not cause any damage, it may be a symptom of some other heart disease, or it may be hazardous to health.

There are different types of arrhythmias: respiratory sinus has as its main characteristic the physiological slowdown of the heart rate during expiration and, if not, the acceleration of the rhythm during inspiration. If you want to know more about this pathology, in the following FastlyHealarticle, you will find all the information related to respiratory sinus arrhythmia: symptoms and treatment.

Is respiratory sinus arrhythmia dangerous?

Sinus arrhythmia, also called respiratory arrhythmia, alters the heart rate caused by normal variations in vagal tone. This refers to the vagus nerve signals that travel from the brain to the abdomen and chest.

This vagotonic disorder is frequently related to emotions. This type of arrhythmia does not usually have a pathological significance. This alteration has its central aspect that respiratory arrhythmia represents an indirect symbol of myocardial normality, which has a rapid response to the minute physiological variations of the vagus nerve. This usually happens during adolescence and childhood, although it may not disappear over the years.

Sinus arrhythmia: symptoms

As its name suggests, sinus arrhythmia has the normal variation of the heart rate when breathing as its primary symptom. However, there is no more significant symptomatology of this heart pathology, so it is possible that it can only be diagnosed through medical studies. For this reason, it is essential to carry out controls regularly.

This type of arrhythmia, respiratory sinus, is an ordinary condition instead that differentiates it from other heart diseases that are serious and can be fatal. However, this does not mean that it should be allowed to pass; on the contrary, in these cases, it is essential to call an ambulance immediately in the presence of symptoms such as pressure or pain in the chest that can radiate to the arm, neck or shoulder, difficulty breathing normally, permanent dizziness, confusion, disorientation, fainting or palpitations, and other physical symptoms that may be related to heart health.

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia: treatment

No specific treatment is needed because respiratory sinus arrhythmia is simply a normal variation of the heart rate. However, it is essential to consult a professional, especially if you have other symptoms such as skipped beats or palpitations.

Despite the above, some treatments can help improve the general symptoms caused by respiratory arrhythmia. It will depend on different factors such as age, the progression of the pathology, and the tolerance of each patient to the therapies and medications.

A lifestyle change is necessary as the primary treatment to improve the symptoms caused by respiratory sinus arrhythmia. This means:

  • To avoid the consumption of caffeine and similar substances.
  • Eliminate alcohol consumption.
  • Try to lead a balanced and stress-free emotional life.

The doctor may also prescribe drug treatment to eliminate symptoms and improve the underlying disease causing the respiratory arrhythmia. Also, the patient may prefer to undergo the therapy known as cardioversion to control the cardiac disturbance.

Furthermore, in some cases, a pacemaker may be recommended to help treat the condition or for the patient to undergo a surgical procedure.

Sinus arrhythmia prevention

While it can’t always be prevented, certain factors can help lower the risk of respiratory sinus arrhythmia, including:

  • Perform regular physical activity regularly.
  • Have a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet.
  • Maintain an average weight depending on the height, sex, and age of each person.
  • Control stress by doing therapies or exercises for emotional balance.
  • Get frequent medical checkups.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Respiratory sinus arrhythmia: symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Blood, heart and circulation category .

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