The heart has its own unique electrical system. Its function is to synchronise the contractions effectively.

 

Managed by a powerful orchestra conductor

The leader of the electrical heart system is situated at the top of the heart, in the right atrium. A cluster of cells called sino-atrial node is in fact the natural pacemaker for the heart. This node is responsible for all heartbeats as well as the frequency, or rate.

 

An organised electrical transmission

The electricity generated is transmitted to the atria following different steps of the electrical system: an electrical "gatekeeper" and a rapid conduction network in the ventricles.

The heart is not always as regular as clockwork.

The extrasystoles

The electrical system can be overexcited.The extrasystoles are supplementary heartbeats, either extras or premature, or before their expected time.

The extrasystoles may be a consequence of an overexcited system at the atrium and/or ventricle levels.

 

Almost everybody has them

The heart can skip a beat or have an extra one, hence the word “extrasystole” and this, often without associated disease.

In fact, it occurs in practically everybody, every day, without any appearance of symptoms.

 

 

Possibles descriptions of these palpitations

The palpitations may vary from one person to the other… Here are examples of the sensations that can be felt:

·        The heart stops and restarts

·        The heart sighs

·        The heart pumps for nothing

·        The heart tumbles

·        The heart skips some beats

 

In fact, the electrogradiogram shows this;

 

Possibles others symptoms

A short episode of chest pain or streak of lightning may be perceived.

Most often, these symptoms are benign and will disappear, or at the very least, tolerated.

 

Certain stimulants increase the extrasystoles

The heart irregularities may be amplified by certain stimulants like coffee, some types of medication or illegal drugs, or simply stress and fatigue.

 

Palpitations felt at different moments of the day

Often, there are few associated symptoms.

Certain individuals are more sensitive to the heart rhythm irregularities. They can suffer from annoying symptoms they often describe as palpitations. These symptoms can vary during the day. They are often felt after eating or at bedtime.

 

Better noticeable in calm moments

Extrasystoles happen at any different moments throughout the day.

They are simply better noticeable in calmer periods of the day.

 

 

A certain variation

Extrasystole palpitations vary throughout the day, but may also vary over the course of a year. Some people show more symptoms in a given season and less in another.

 

Taking your pulse helps the doctor

You can perceive extrasystoles while taking your pulse. This can be done on your wrist or your neck. Recognizing and describing your pulse during palpitation periods is of great help for your doctor.

Usually, the pulse is rhythmic. A small beat followed by a long pause before the next pulsation is a typical situation.

Another common example is a series of 2 or 3 rapid, close pulsations then back to a regular beat.

Taking your pulse may help clarify if the heart is really the cause of these palpitations. In the event that the pulse is regular during palpitation moments, this would be a sign that the heart is not the source of the problem.

 

Possible tests

The health professional can verify the frequency and the location of the extrasystoles in the atria and/or in the ventricles using a Holter monitor.

An echocardiogram can also be ordered to take a look at the heart’s structure.

 

A disappointing therapy

A therapy to eliminate extrasystoles is rarely prescribed. It has secondary effects and do not solve all the palpitations.

They are annoying, but they don’t kill us…

 

Don't miss: Extrasystoles; the patient's point of view