What is sinus arrhythmia, and what should be done about it?
Sinus arrhythmia usually refers to sinus rhythm irregularity, which may be caused by intense exercise, anemia, myocarditis, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, etc. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Intense Exercise
Intense physical activity can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. This heightened sympathetic activity may interfere with the normal rhythm of the sinoatrial (SA) node, resulting in sinus arrhythmia, shortness of breath, thickened saliva, and other symptoms. It is advised to immediately stop strenuous exercise and allow the heart time to rest. Sit or lie down in a quiet place and relax the body.
2. Anemia
Anemia may result from iron deficiency in the body. Anemia forces the heart to work harder to meet the body's oxygen demands. Changes in cardiac load can affect the electrical activity of the SA node, triggering arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and easy fatigue. Treatment may include medications such as sustained-release ferrous sulfate tablets, ferrous fumarate tablets, or effervescent granules of ammonium ferric citrate, taken as directed by a physician.
3. Myocarditis
Myocarditis is typically caused by viral infections. The inflammatory response associated with myocarditis may directly impair the function of the SA node, disrupting its normal electrical activity. Since the SA node acts as the heart’s natural pacemaker, inflammation can lead to sinus arrhythmia, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Under medical guidance, medications such as Danshen Dripping Pills, transfer factor oral solution, or coenzyme Q10 capsules may be used for treatment.
4. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease
Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease may affect the automaticity of cardiac cells—their ability to generate electrical impulses. Altered automaticity can lead to abnormal rhythms in the SA node, causing symptoms such as chest pain, indigestion, and sinus arrhythmia. Medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, or metoprolol tartrate tablets may be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
5. Acute Myocardial Infarction
Acute myocardial infarction may be related to abnormal lipid levels. Myocardial ischemia and necrosis caused by acute myocardial infarction lead to damage of heart tissue. Such damage can impair both the structure and function of the SA node, resulting in sinus arrhythmia, crushing chest pain, and feelings of suffocation. Under a doctor’s supervision, medications such as inositol nicotinate tablets, clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets, or sustained-release succinate metoprolol tablets may be administered.
In daily life, consuming more protein-rich foods such as chicken, milk, and eggs may benefit heart health.