Why do we need a rhythmogram?
The rhythmogram analyzes fluctuations in the intervals between contractions and reflects the balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system. This is especially true in children and adolescents: complaints of dizziness, fatigue, fainting and “heart pain” are often associated with autonomic dysfunction, and not with organic pathology. The study helps to objectively assess the body's adaptive reserves, including when playing sports.
What is functional diagnostics
Functional diagnostics evaluates not the structure of an organ, but its work: how the heart contracts, how a nerve impulse is conducted, how pressure changes during the day, how much air passes through the bronchi.
These methods complement ultrasound and tomography: structural studies show how the organ looks, and functional studies show how it copes with its task. Many rhythm disturbances, ischemia and epileptic activity are detected only here.
Basic methods
- ECG - basic recording of the electrical activity of the heart
- Holter monitoring - continuous ECG recording throughout the day
- ABPM - 24-hour blood pressure monitoring
- stress tests (treadmill test) - assessment of the heart during physical activity
- EEG - registration of bioelectrical activity of the brain
- spirometry - study of respiratory function
Why is a one-time entry not enough?
Many disorders are transient: arrhythmia occurs several times a day, ischemia occurs only during exercise, and pressure increases occur at night or at work. A regular ECG lasts tens of seconds and easily misses such episodes, so 24-hour monitoring or exercise tests are prescribed.