Syndrome shortened PQ: causes, symptoms, treatment
The syndrome of shortened PQ is one of a whole galaxy of manifestations of cardiac arrhythmias. He rarely is an independent pathology. Mostly in the case histories appears as a complication of the underlying disease and is one of the frequent causes of sudden death.
History and classification of
The syndrome of the shortened PQ has been described by physicians in the middle of the twentieth century. The study was based on the analysis of only two hundred cases of the disease, selected from the whole mass of cardiac patients. Then there were no organic changes in the heart that would cause this syndrome.
In adults, shortening the PQ interval means that its duration is reduced by less than 0.12 seconds. Scientists associate this with the abnormal arrangement of nerve fibers in the conducting system of the organ. In clinical practice, two syndromes are distinguished:
- of Wolff-Parkinson-White. It is caused by the presence in the myocardium of the pathological bundle of Kent, which connects the atrium and the ventricle, without going into the atrioventricular node.
- Clerk-Levi-Cristesco( CLC).Caused by the anomalous arrangement of the beam of James. It is located between the sinoatrial and atrioventricular node.
Causes and pathogenesis of
Indirect conductivity paths may be in the "sleep mode" for many years. Therefore, the syndrome of truncated PQ appears, as a rule, against the background of another pathology. And in the absence of uncomfortable symptoms it is sometimes considered as a variant of the norm.
Electrical impulses in the altered heart simultaneously pass through both the main system and additional paths. At the level of the septum between the atria and the ventricles, conduction slows down, which is not found in abnormal fiber bundles. This causes a reduction in the individual area of the ventricle before the impulse spreads throughout the myocardium. So there are ventricular arrhythmias.
Symptoms of
If the shortened PQ syndrome is considered abnormal, the patient experiences frequent palpitations that last from ten to twenty seconds. They pass independently and do not require medical intervention. Most often such paroxysms are associated with stress, overwork, excessive physical exertion. But, as a rule, the reason remains unknown.
Sudden acceleration of heart contractions can cause panic attacks, discomfort in the chest area, pallor and sweating in patients. But sometimes patients do not even suspect that they have a pathology from the heart. The PQ interval on the cardiogram is counted from the beginning of the P wave and to the start of the Q wave. Normally, this figure ranges from one hundred twenty to two hundred milliseconds.
Treatment of
The shortened interval of PQ, which is detected against the background of a normal heart rhythm, does not cause the patient any serious complaints, does not need treatment and is considered as a variant of an individual physiological norm. The doctor can alert the presence of paroxysmal tachycardia( or other arrhythmias), inflammation of the myocardium or infarction, which require an additional comprehensive examination and drug correction.
From instrumental methods, modern medicine can offer radiofrequency catheter ablation or cryoablation. This makes it possible to isolate areas that generate additional action potentials, thus reducing their effect on the heart rate. The choice of method depends on the cause that caused the shortening of PQ.In addition to eliminating symptoms, the cardiologist will prescribe the treatment and the underlying disease. This will avoid complications in the future and prolong the effect of ablation.
Prevention of
Patients with CLC syndrome usually do not need specific preventive measures. Especially if before that he did not show himself. But in case of uncomfortable sensations such as pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, it is necessary to consult a local therapist. There are general methods of preventing all diseases of the cardiovascular system:
- lifestyle change to a more active one;
- weight loss;
- rational diet;
- rejection of bad habits: smoking and drinking alcohol;
- reduced intake of table salt;
- sleep at least eight hours a day.
It should not, probably, remind that it is necessary to reduce the number of stressful situations and increase the time of walking outdoors.
Forecast
The prognosis for this disease is usually favorable, especially with asymptomatic flow. However, people with hereditary heredity may be fatal. Exceptions are athletes and test pilots. They fall into the category of occupational risk.
If patients have complaints from the heart, their prognosis is somewhat worse. But modern methods of treatment can reduce the risk of developing fatal complications. In any case, do not panic. It is better to consult a competent specialist who can correctly diagnose and prescribe effective treatment.