During pregnancy, the heart's irregular heartbeat is medically known as arrhythmia. According to data from the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 50% of pregnant women have some irregularities in their heart rhythm. Most of these cases are benign, which means they don't need any medical intervention or harm. However, some arrhythmias may cause harm to you and your developing baby, so if your heartbeat is irregular during pregnancy, please contact your doctor.
Irregular heartbeats during pregnancy usually disappear without treatment. (Source: Jupiterimages / BananaStock / Getty Images) Reasons
Although the exact cause of heart irregularities during pregnancy is unclear, there are several factors that may be Help to get a rrhythmia. Pregnancy changes your body's hormonal state, increasing estrogen levels and another hormone called beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. This may affect the function of the heart's ion channels, which allow sodium, calcium and potassium to enter and exit the cell to control the heartbeat.
When you are pregnant, your blood volume will increase to provide enough oxygen. You and your developing baby. An increase in blood volume will put extra stress on the heart, double the cardiac output, and increase the diastolic pulsation.
Type
Pregnancy can cause several different types of arrhythmias. The feeling of palpitations is like your heart is racing, beating or skipping beats. You may feel chest and neck. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a broad term that applies to any heartbeat that is faster than normal. SVT is generally considered to be more dangerous than palpitations, and this condition may require medication.
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, rapid heartbeat that is possible during pregnancy, but is rare. According to the Heraklion University Hospital, most women with atrial fibrillation during pregnancy have congenital heart disease or hyperthyroidism before pregnancy.
Treatment
Arrhythmia during pregnancy is treated very conservatively. When an arrhythmia is found, the doctor will test the underlying cause. If no medical reasons are found, the treatment is passed.Often included rest and procedures called vagus nerve operations, which can help lower heart rate. The vagus nerve action may include applying ice to the face, massaging the carotid artery and Valsalva movements, including forcing exhalation while keeping the nose and mouth closed.
If arrhythmia causes physical symptoms or causes hypotension, your doctor may prescribe antiarrhythmic drugs. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the absence of antiarrhythmic drugs during pregnancy is considered completely safe, so they should be avoided early in pregnancy.
Notes
If you need antiarrhythmic drugs during pregnancy, please see a doctor for regular monitoring. Your doctor will perform an electrocardiogram and measure the level of the drug in the blood to ensure that your level is not toxic to you or your baby.
