There are many diagnostic tests and treatments available for people living with ventricular dyssynchrony.
This article focuses on the types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments of ventricular dyssynchrony.
When the ventricles are uncoordinated, this is called ventricular dyssynchrony and can disrupt blood flow in the heart.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
The heart beats and causes the ventricles to contract together to push blood to the rest of the body.
When blood builds up within the heart, it can lead to a problem known as congestive heart failure.
However, understanding the specific throw in of dyssynchrony can be useful for doctors to better manage the disease.
Ventricular Dyssynchrony Symptoms
The most common symptom of ventricular dyssynchrony is fatigue.
You may also notice a persistent cough.
Some people notice difficulty with breathing when lying down flat in bed.
These are all signs of heart failure, which can be the result of ventricular dyssynchrony.
Causes of Dyssynchrony
The most common causes of ventricular dyssynchrony are diseases that damage the heart muscle.
The most common condition that can lead to dyssynchrony is a prior myocardial infarctionorheart attack.
However, it may not always be clear what causes dyssynchrony in some people.
Heart Failure and Ventricular Dyssynchrony
Heart failure and ventricular dyssynchrony are linked together.
These are areas where the heart muscle is slow to activate and contract.
All these tests are used to evaluate the severity of ventricular dyssynchrony and determine potential causes.
These tests are critical because quantifying and understanding ventricular dyssynchrony can help your physician decide on the optimal treatments.
Treatments
Medications used to treat heart failure may also improve ventricular dyssynchrony.
In addition, one of the best treatments for ventricular dyssynchrony is called cardiac resynchronization therapy.
This uses a equipment called a pacemaker to coordinate the electrical signals that tell the ventricles to pump.
The pacemaker works to help coordinate electrical signals in the heart and tell the ventricles when to beat.
The resynchronization helps the ventricles pump more efficiently and can help improve symptoms from heart failure triggered by dyssynchrony.
Once the wires are in place, they are connected to a pacemaker.
The pacemaker is then programmed to retime the ventricles and improve your hearts ability to pump blood.
In some cases, the pacemaker may need to be reprogrammed to be more effective.
Prognosis
Ventricular dyssynchrony is a form of heart failure and should not be taken lightly.
Some people can live for years with ventricular dyssynchrony.
Importantly, other diseases such as infections can be even more serious for people living with ventricular dyssynchrony.
If you do not feel well or become sick, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ventricular dyssynchrony a life-threatening condition?
Ventricular dyssynchrony is a serious medical condition and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
There are a number of treatment options available that can help improve the lives of people with ventricular dyssynchrony.
What are the symptoms of ventricular dyssynchrony?
You may also notice difficulty lying flat in bed or a persistent cough that wont go away.
All these are signs of ventricular dyssynchrony and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How is ventricular dyssynchrony diagnosed?
To diagnose ventricular dyssynchrony, an echocardiogram, or ultrasound of the heart, must be performed.
The ultrasound can show doctors images of the heart muscle as it is beating.
How is ventricular dyssynchrony treated?
In addition, cardiac resynchronization therapy, which uses a cardiac pacemaker, may be used to treat dyssynchrony.
What is electrical dyssynchrony?
The heart beats as a result of an electric signal in the heart.
If the electrical signals in the heart are out of sync, then the heart muscle may beat abnormally.
This can lead to electrical dyssynchrony.
What is septal dyssynchrony?
Fortunately, many treatments are available.
2019;12(12):2414-2416. doi:10.1016/j.jcmg.2019.01.013
