Introduction
A cardiac stumble is generally defined as a cardiac action that occurs independently of the given beat and is therefore often perceived by the person affected as a stumble (cardiac arrhythmia). Formally, a stumbling is often caused by a spontaneous heartbeat out of sequence (extrasystole) or a brief interruption of the heart. As long as the stumbling of the heart rarely occurs and is free of symptoms, there is a value of the disease. However, it can also be an expression of a heart disease or metabolic disorder.
Therapy
Whether therapy is necessary or not depends on the cause of the heart stumble and the symptoms. Many patients have already felt some kind of heart stuttering without any organic cause behind it. Possible causes are excitement, nicotine or alcohol, which usually do not require special therapy.
By avoiding the triggering factors, the heart stumbling recedes. Relaxation methods can be helpful in stressful situations. Furthermore, heart stumbling can also be triggered by internal diseases without the heart itself being structurally damaged.
Low blood sugar levels in particular often go hand in hand with heart stumbling, which can, however, be eliminated relatively easily with food. The thyroid gland, which often leads to heart stumbling in the case of overactivity, is of particular importance. The therapy in this case consists of a precise clarification and the elimination of the cause. If, however, there is a heart disease that causes the heart stutter, or if it is so severe that the patient finds it unpleasant, a specific therapy should be initiated. After the tripping has been proven and further diagnostics according to cause and extent have been carried out, various approaches to therapy can be considered.
Medicines for heart palpitations
Antiarrhythmics are used medicinally. These are different groups of active ingredients, which are divided into 4 classes. The most commonly used are those of class II (beta-blockers), class III (potassium channel blockers, e.g. amiodarone) and class IV (calcium channel blockers).
Class I substances (flecainide, ajmaline) or adenosine are other agents. They intervene in the electrical conduction system of the heart, which controls the pumping function. By inhibiting this system, extrasystoles or a too fast rhythm can be blocked and the heart stumbling can be controlled.
It is important for the therapy to know where the heart stumbling originates. Atrial fibrillation is a typical indication that leads to heart stuttering. It can lead to absolute arrhythmia.
Beta-blockers, which are used here, slow down the transition. Atrial fibrillation is also a typical indication for the use of amiodarone. Digitalis, which was previously given for many heart diseases, can be used as a therapy in cases of heart stumbling due to atrial fibrillation. Other causes of cardiac stuttering lie in the sinus node, the pacemaker of the heart action. Here too, medication can be used to control the frequency.
