Understanding Tachycardia on an EKG

Introduction

Tachycardia is a condition in which the heart beats faster than normal—typically over 100 beats per minute (bpm). It can be either physiological (e.g., due to exercise or stress) or pathological (caused by heart disease or other medical conditions). The primary tool for diagnosing tachycardia is an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG).

Types of Tachycardia

Tachycardia can be classified into several types based on the origin of the abnormal rhythm: 1. Sinus Tachycardia – A normal response to physical activity, stress, fever, or dehydration. 2. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) – A broad term for tachycardias originating from the atria, such as: - Atrial fibrillation (AFib) - Atrial flutter - Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) 3. Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) – A serious condition that arises from the ventricles, often seen in heart disease or after a heart attack.

Diagnosing Tachycardia with an EKG

An EKG provides critical information about the electrical activity of the heart, which helps classify tachycardia types: - Sinus Tachycardia: Regular P waves before each QRS complex, with a rate above 100 bpm. - Atrial Fibrillation: Irregular rhythm without distinct P waves. - Atrial Flutter: "Sawtooth" pattern on the EKG. - Supraventricular Tachycardia: Narrow QRS complexes and rapid rate. - Ventricular Tachycardia: Wide QRS complexes (>120 ms) with a rapid rate.

Causes of Tachycardia

Possible causes include: - Physical stress (exercise, fever, dehydration) - Emotional stress or anxiety - Heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure) - Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism) - Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium) - Side effects of medications (e.g., stimulants, decongestants)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and underlying cause of tachycardia: 1. Lifestyle Changes – Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and stress. 2. Medications – Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs. 3. Cardioversion – Electrical shock therapy used for atrial fibrillation or serious ventricular tachycardia. 4. Ablation Therapy – A procedure to destroy abnormal heart tissue causing arrhythmia. 5. Implantable Devices – Pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for severe cases.

Conclusion

Tachycardia is a complex condition that requires proper evaluation through an EKG. If you experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain, seek medical attention. Identifying the type of tachycardia and its cause is essential for effective treatment.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Tachycardia Management

1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
3. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
5. https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/algorithms/algorithmacls_tachycardia_200612.pdf

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiac Arrhythmias

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84