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Sinus respiratory arrhythmia
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025

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Sinus respiratory arrhythmia is a type of physiological arrhythmia. It becomes clearly noticeable if a person breathes deeply. It develops from oscillatory movements of tone. When a person begins to breathe intensively, heartbeats become more frequent, and on exhalation they become much less frequent. Respiratory arrhythmia is mainly found among teenagers and children. Adults suffer from the problem only against the background of an infectious disease.
Causes of sinus respiratory arrhythmia
The causes of sinus respiratory arrhythmia are rooted in the immaturity of the nervous system. As mentioned above, the problem is most common in children and adolescents. The younger the child, the higher the likelihood of developing such episodes.
Infants with postnatal encephalopathy are mainly susceptible to this influence. Naturally, premature babies are at risk. Rickets in children often leads to changes in the excitability of the nervous system and provokes the development of sinus respiratory arrhythmia.
The disease occurs in children who are too overweight. It is especially pronounced when doing physical exercises. Arrhythmia may occur during a growth spurt. During this period, the autonomic nervous system simply cannot keep up with all the changes and adapt to the new requirements of the growing organism. All age-related changes can be accompanied by respiratory arrhythmia. As soon as the autonomic nervous system begins to actively mature, the risk of developing the disease is significantly reduced.
Symptoms of sinus respiratory arrhythmia
Symptoms of sinus respiratory arrhythmia are manifested in increased heartbeat during physical activity. This is especially pronounced in children. The heart begins to work nervously, possibly with the appearance of a feeling of "freezing". A feeling of rapid work of the organ and its abrupt stop is noted.
But these are only the most harmless symptoms. Weakness and dizziness may manifest themselves. All this occurs along with nervous work of the heart. Over time, shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air appears. The symptoms are the same for everyone. Children may complain of strong work of the heart and fatigue. A similar phenomenon occurs in adults and pregnant women. By the way, girls during the period of bearing a child are especially susceptible to the appearance of this problem. But, despite this, the disease "affects" mainly children. There are no strong symptoms, so parents may not always notice that the baby has problems. If any symptom appears, you need to pay attention to it and take the child to the doctor. The disease does not bring much discomfort, but, nevertheless, requires its complete elimination.
Sinus respiratory arrhythmia in children
The problem is quite common in babies. In this case, everything depends entirely on the age of the child and how often the problem is diagnosed. Therefore, adults very rarely suffer from this problem. This situation is due to the fact that the nervous system is not mature enough. As noted above, the problem is mainly found in premature babies, newborns with increased intracranial pressure, babies with increased body weight and those suffering from rickets.
It is not so easy to understand that the baby has this disease. After all, there are no special symptoms. Bright symptoms are characteristic of a severe stage of the disease. The main cause for concern should be difficulty breathing, weakness and decreased activity. If the baby is old enough, then he may have a rapid heartbeat and dizziness. In any case, you should immediately seek help at the hospital. If the ECG shows arrhythmia, parents must take their child to see a cardiologist. Here, special studies will be conducted, tests will be taken. Eliminating the problem is quite simple. It is enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Sinus respiratory arrhythmia in adolescents
Sinus respiratory arrhythmia in adolescents is not a surprising phenomenon. The fact is that many systems are formed in a person before adulthood. In particular, the nervous system is not yet strong enough. Therefore, any emotional shock can lead to accelerated heart function. There is nothing dangerous in this, but it is better to start eliminating the problem.
Children with excess weight are susceptible to the influence of respiratory arrhythmia. Therefore, parents are advised to monitor their child's diet. Often, rapid heartbeat and weakness are associated with past infectious diseases. A symptom will appear, perhaps against the background of rickets. Premature babies are especially susceptible to it. There is nothing dangerous about this. Over the years, the problem will go away on its own. Parents only need to provide normal living conditions for the child. Thus, nutrition should be correct and balanced. Work and rest should alternate. Naturally, emotional shocks should be avoided. But, despite the fact that the problem can be solved without medication, it is still necessary to show the child to the doctor.
Diagnosis of sinus respiratory arrhythmia
Diagnostics of sinus respiratory arrhythmia is carried out exclusively in a medical institution. It includes an analysis of the patient's complaints and the history of the disease itself. The person talks about his feelings and only after that special procedures are carried out. It is necessary to mention the symptoms, past illnesses, lifestyle, level of work and life, heredity.
After that, a general examination is carried out, the pulse is felt, the heart is listened to. Thanks to these manipulations, typical changes in frequency can be identified. A similar action concerns the heart rhythm. Tapping is carried out. This will allow us to determine the change in the boundaries of the heart, which is characteristic of the presence of the disease and is the main cause of arrhythmia.
General indicators of biochemical blood and urine analysis, as well as hormonal status analysis are reviewed. They will help to identify extracardiac causes of sinus arrhythmia (not related to the work of the heart).
ECG data is taken into account, allowing us to see changes characteristic of the disease. Daily ECG readings are observed. The patient must carry the device with them throughout the day and keep a diary of their activity. They indicate meals, physical activity, deterioration in health, emotional anxiety. It is worth recording the time of sleep and possible awakenings at night. Then the ECG and diary data are compared and, based on the information received, inconstant heart rhythm disturbances are identified.
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ECG signs
Sinus arrhythmia respiratory on ECG is seen quite clearly. The procedure itself allows you to notice any disturbances in the work of the heart. In general, respiratory arrhythmia is the norm and does not require treatment. But, to calm the soul, it is still worth making a diagnosis. This problem is characterized by a change in heart rate.
ECG is the most accessible examination. It is quite simple, but at the same time it allows to obtain the most accurate information. The procedure can be performed in a hospital, a clinic and even an ambulance. It consists of a dynamic recording of an electric charge. It is due to it that the heart contracts. To assess the characteristics of the received charge, the work of several areas of the heart should be recorded at once. This process involves the use of special electrodes. They are placed on different areas of the chest. Based on the data obtained, changes in the work of the heart are recorded and appropriate conclusions are made.
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Treatment of sinus respiratory arrhythmia
Treatment of sinus respiratory arrhythmia is prescribed exclusively by the attending physician. Usually, it is not difficult. You do not need to take a course of any medications. First of all, the doctor will advise you to go on a diet. It is necessary to bring your daily diet closer to the correct one. You should limit the intake of fatty and sweet foods. It is better to switch to a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits. A person should not be exposed to the harmful effects of stress. Physical activity should be moderate or completely excluded. Good rest and a large number of vitamins are what you need.
Acupuncture gives a positive result. Thus, the effect of needles on special sensitive points on the human body is carried out. Physiotherapy is also often used. It includes the effects of electricity, heat and magnetic field on the body. In some cases, psychotherapy helps. These measures are quite sufficient to completely eliminate the problem. In fact, there are no pills for this disease. Everything is eliminated by leading a healthy lifestyle.
Drugs
Prevention of sinus respiratory arrhythmia
Prevention of sinus respiratory arrhythmia consists of proper observance of the work and rest regime. It is necessary to eat rationally and balanced. For this, the diet includes the consumption of products with a high fiber content. Vegetables, fruits and greens are suitable. It is completely necessary to refuse fried, canned and too hot food. Naturally, spicy food is also prohibited.
Stressful situations should be completely eliminated. Constant nervous tension provokes the heart to work faster. This can lead to respiratory arrhythmia. If we are talking about adults, then it is necessary to completely give up bad habits, in particular smoking and drinking alcohol.
Taking any medications should be done under the supervision of a doctor. Timely diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and other organs can eliminate possible complications. Finally, it is always worth contacting a specialist when the first symptoms of the disease appear. In this case, no problems are scary. It is enough to simply follow all the rules described above.
Prognosis of sinus respiratory arrhythmia
The prognosis for sinus respiratory arrhythmia is positive in most cases. Even if you do not pay attention to the problem in time, there will be no serious complications. Naturally, it is not so easy to understand that a person has a disease. It is easy to notice some changes in a baby. After all, with respiratory arrhythmia, a child becomes less active, he shows weakness and his heart beats faster. Any parent can notice these symptoms.
Difficulties arise with adults. Today, chronic fatigue, depression and other emotional problems are a common problem. Therefore, no one even suspects the presence of arrhythmia. General symptoms are more often attributed to "fatigue at work" and "lack of vitamins". In any case, an unfavorable prognosis is unacceptable. If a person notices symptoms of the disease and consults a doctor in time, everything will be fine. And, in fact, you can cope with the problem yourself. It is enough to take care of your own lifestyle and nutrition. In this case, the prognosis will be favorable.