The sinus or cardiac rhythm is more than just the heartbeat. It begins with electrical impulses within the heart's nodes.
The electrical impulses tell the heart that it is time to beat. Following the beat, there is another impulse that stimulates the first impulse and again the heart beats.
If you looked at an EKG readout, you would see a narrow triangle with no bottom and with one leg longer than the other, surrounded by two short inverted bottomless triangles and two small waves. The wave on the right is normally slightly larger than the wave on the left.
The bottomless triangle is the point at which the heart beats to pump blood through the body. The short waves are electrical impulses. The inverted bottomless triangle on the left is the contraction that occurs as the heart prepares to beat. The one on the right occurs as the muscle relaxes.
There are many diseases and disorders that can cause abnormality in the cardiac rhythm. Not all of them are disorders related to the heart or circulatory system. The thyroid, kidneys and the brain play major roles in the heart's activity.
The thyroid is a gland that plays numerous roles in the body, including controlling how your body uses energy. When the gland is over-active, it can cause increased heart rate, shaking and heart palpitations. Other symptoms of a hyperactive thyroid include increased appetite, muscle weakness, excessive sweating and diarrhea.
The brain controls the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce adrenalin. Too much adrenalin may be produced usually as a result of the fight or flight response.
Caffeine also stimulates the brain and the adrenal glands. When adrenalin production increases, heart rate increases and sweating may occur. The brain is attempting to prepare the body to fight or to run, depending on the situation.
In ancient times, the fight or flight response was brought about by encountering a wild animal, among other things. In today's world, if it is not brought on by caffeine or another stimulant, it is usually brought on by stress.
If you are often aware of your cardiac rhythm because of palpitations, you may be experiencing the results of stress. It is a good idea to have a thorough annual physical to rule out other health problems. But in the meantime, you might want to make an effort to de-stress your life.
While yoga, physical activity, meditation and other things can help you de-stress. You might also try some good dietary supplements. Stress and the fight or flight response drains your body of essential nutrients.
One supplement that is often recommended for reducing anxiety and for good heart health is fish oil.
Only an EKG can tell you about your cardiac rhythm, but you should be able to tell whether or not you are in good health.
The electrical impulses tell the heart that it is time to beat. Following the beat, there is another impulse that stimulates the first impulse and again the heart beats.
If you looked at an EKG readout, you would see a narrow triangle with no bottom and with one leg longer than the other, surrounded by two short inverted bottomless triangles and two small waves. The wave on the right is normally slightly larger than the wave on the left.
The bottomless triangle is the point at which the heart beats to pump blood through the body. The short waves are electrical impulses. The inverted bottomless triangle on the left is the contraction that occurs as the heart prepares to beat. The one on the right occurs as the muscle relaxes.
There are many diseases and disorders that can cause abnormality in the cardiac rhythm. Not all of them are disorders related to the heart or circulatory system. The thyroid, kidneys and the brain play major roles in the heart's activity.
The thyroid is a gland that plays numerous roles in the body, including controlling how your body uses energy. When the gland is over-active, it can cause increased heart rate, shaking and heart palpitations. Other symptoms of a hyperactive thyroid include increased appetite, muscle weakness, excessive sweating and diarrhea.
The brain controls the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce adrenalin. Too much adrenalin may be produced usually as a result of the fight or flight response.
Caffeine also stimulates the brain and the adrenal glands. When adrenalin production increases, heart rate increases and sweating may occur. The brain is attempting to prepare the body to fight or to run, depending on the situation.
In ancient times, the fight or flight response was brought about by encountering a wild animal, among other things. In today's world, if it is not brought on by caffeine or another stimulant, it is usually brought on by stress.
If you are often aware of your cardiac rhythm because of palpitations, you may be experiencing the results of stress. It is a good idea to have a thorough annual physical to rule out other health problems. But in the meantime, you might want to make an effort to de-stress your life.
While yoga, physical activity, meditation and other things can help you de-stress. You might also try some good dietary supplements. Stress and the fight or flight response drains your body of essential nutrients.
One supplement that is often recommended for reducing anxiety and for good heart health is fish oil.
Only an EKG can tell you about your cardiac rhythm, but you should be able to tell whether or not you are in good health.
