Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is the medical condition characterized by an irregularity in the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. Out of the many types of arrhythmia, not all are considered to be life-threatening. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia is a type of arrhythmia that occurs due to the influence of breathing rhythm on the vagal nerve activity. This is a naturally-occurring cyclic variation in the heart rate that is manifested in the form of an increased heart rate with inspiration, followed by a decrease in heart rate during expiration. Since the cardiac rhythm proceeds from sinoatrial node, this naturally-occurring irregularity in the heart rhythm is medically referred to as sinus arrhythmia. In this article, we will try to find out more about this irregularity in heart rhythm.

What is Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA)

Sinoatrial node, also known as the sinus node, is a cluster of cardiac muscle fibers that are located in the upper section of the right atrium of the human heart. The sinus node, which is also referred to as the natural pacemaker of the heart, performs the task of generating electrical impulses, and is the source of each heartbeat. The irregularity in the cardiac rhythm is attributed to fluctuations that take place in the vagus nerve activity. It is the vagus nerve, a cranial nerve in part of the brain stem, that plays an important role in regulating the heartbeat. It slows down the force of contractions and the heart rate. During inhalation and exhalation, the cells in one of the centers of medulla oblongata, raise the parasympathetic nervous system output to the heart through this cranial nerve. This causes a cyclic variation in the heart rate. RSA is a physiological variation and is not considered to be abnormal, in fact, it is the dampening of this normal sinus rhythm which is indicative of heart problems. Normal sinus arrhythmia is more pronounced in children and young adults. Those who have a good cardiovascular health might also have a pronounced sinus rhythm. Dampening of RSA could be associated with stress or other medical conditions. Therefore, those of you who have been experiencing fluctuations in the heart rate must consult a cardiologist soon.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sinus Arrhythmia

RSA measurement is performed with the help of an electrocardiogram. An ECG test can help doctors monitor the electrical activity of the heart. This can also help the doctors assess any other irregularity in the heart rate. An accelerated heart rate or a very slow heart rate, which are medically referred to as tachycardia and bradycardia respectively, can also be diagnosed with the help of an ECG test. At times, irregularity in the heartbeat might not be revealed by a routine ECG, therefore, a holter monitoring device might be used for monitoring intermittent arrhythmia. Unlike RSA, other types of arrhythmia such as sick sinus syndrome, premature atrial contraction, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation might be indicative of poor heart health.

Since fluctuations in the normal sinus rhythm might be indicative of heart problems, people suffering from heart arrhythmia must, therefore, have their heart rate monitored at regular intervals. RSA is prominent in children and young adults and generally resolves on its own as one ages. However, people suffering from very fast, irregular heartbeat, very slow heartbeat, escape beats or other symptoms of arrhythmia must consult a doctor immediately. At times, irregularities in the heartbeat might be caused due to medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or heart diseases. Lifestyle-related issues such as smoking, alcohol abuse or drug abuse could also make one susceptible to arrhythmia. As far as the treatment is concerned, making certain lifestyle-related changes, use of arrhythmia medications, implantable devices such as automatic defibrillator or an artificial pacemaker might prove beneficial. At times, surgical procedures might be recommended for the treatment of arrhythmia.

Though respiratory sinus arrhythmia is generally benign and doesn't cause any serious repercussions on one's health, people suffering from other types of arrhythmia must consult a doctor soon. Since cardiac arrhythmia might be indicative of an underlying heart disease, a timely diagnosis and treatment will surely help in preventing serious complications from arising.