Causes of a Fast Heartbeat (Tachycardia)

Introduction

A fast heartbeat, or tachycardia, is when the heart rate is over 100 beats per minute. It can be temporary and harmless or indicate a serious medical problem.

Types of Tachycardia

  1. Sinus Tachycardia – A natural increase due to stress, fever, or exercise.
  2. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) – Abnormal fast rhythms from the upper part of the heart.
  3. Atrial Fibrillation – An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm.
  4. Ventricular Tachycardia – A fast rhythm from the heart’s lower chambers that can be dangerous.

Common Causes

1. Physiological Causes (Normal Reactions)

  • Physical activity
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Fever
  • Caffeine or alcohol intake

2. Medical Conditions

  • Heart Diseases (coronary artery disease, heart failure)
  • Thyroid Problems (hyperthyroidism)
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Dehydration

3. Medication-Related Causes

  • Certain asthma inhalers
  • Decongestants
  • High doses of thyroid hormone medications

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if you have: - Severe dizziness - Chest pain - Shortness of breath - Fainting episodes

Prevention and Treatment

  • Manage stress
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol
  • Treat underlying conditions
  • In some cases, medications or procedures (like ablation) may be needed

Conclusion

A fast heartbeat can have many causes, from normal body responses to serious heart conditions. Always consult a doctor if you experience persistent tachycardia, especially with other symptoms.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Tachycardia

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

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on 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

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