About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding ECG with Tachycardia
Introduction
Tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats faster than normal—typically over 100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an essential tool for diagnosing tachycardia and identifying its underlying cause.
Classification of Tachycardia by ECG
Tachycardia can be broadly classified based on its origin: - Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Originates above the ventricles. - Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Originates in the ventricles and is more serious.
Recognizing Tachycardia on ECG
1. Sinus Tachycardia
- Regular rhythm
- Heart rate > 100 bpm
- Normal P waves preceding each QRS complex
- Possible causes: Fever, dehydration, anxiety, hyperthyroidism
2. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
- Narrow QRS complexes (<120 ms)
- Regular rhythm, very fast rate (often > 150 bpm)
- P waves may be hidden within the QRS complex
- Causes: Stress, caffeine, structural heart disease
3. Atrial Fibrillation (AF) with Rapid Ventricular Response
- Irregularly irregular rhythm
- No distinct P waves, instead fibrillatory waves
- Rapid heart rate
- Commonly seen with hypertension, valvular disease
4. Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
- Broad QRS complexes (>120 ms)
- Regular or slightly irregular rhythm
- No P waves or dissociated P waves
- Life-threatening, often due to prior heart disease
Importance of Identifying ECG Changes
Detecting tachycardia early helps prevent complications such as stroke or sudden cardiac arrest. A detailed assessment, including blood tests and imaging, is essential for proper treatment.
Treatment Approaches
- Sinus Tachycardia: Address the underlying cause (e.g., treat fever, manage anxiety).
- SVT: Vagal maneuvers, adenosine, beta-blockers, or ablation therapy.
- Atrial Fibrillation: Rate or rhythm control, anticoagulation to prevent stroke.
- Ventricular Tachycardia: Urgent defibrillation if unstable, antiarrhythmic medication if stable.
If you experience tachycardia symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain, seek immediate medical advice.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Tachyarrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/algorithms/algorithmacls_tachycardia_200612.pdf
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Supraventricular Tachycardia
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
3. ESC Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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