8. Rapid Heart Rate: The Heart’s Frantic Beat
The heart, our body’s rhythmic drummer, doesn’t miss a beat. But with sigmoid volvulus, this rhythm might get a bit frantic. A rapid heart rate, medically termed tachycardia, emerges as a consequence of the colon’s twist. It’s as if the heart, sensing trouble, starts racing, trying to compensate.
But why the accelerated pace? Well, the twist could lead to reduced blood flow. The heart, sensing this, tries to pump more blood, working overtime, pushing its limits. It’s like a runner sprinting, trying to make up for lost time.
The change might initially be subtle. A slight elevation, an extra skip, perhaps a flutter. But as the situation escalates, so does the heart rate. This racing pulse, palpable and pronounced, is a telltale sign of underlying distress. (8)
