About-Cardio
-
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.
Causes of a Fast Heart Rate (Tachycardia)
Introduction
A fast heart rate, medically known as tachycardia, is defined as a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults. While some cases are normal (such as during exercise or stress), persistent tachycardia may indicate an underlying medical condition.
Types of Tachycardia
Tachycardia can be classified into different types based on its origin:
- Sinus Tachycardia – The heart beats fast due to external factors like fever, anxiety, or dehydration.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) – Includes arrhythmias originating above the ventricles.
- Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) – A dangerous condition where the ventricles beat rapidly, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
Common Causes of a Fast Heart Rate
1. Physiological Causes (Normal Reactions of the Body)
- Exercise
- Stress or anxiety (including panic attacks)
- Fever or infection
- Dehydration
- Pain
2. Cardiac Causes (Heart-Related)
- Coronary artery disease (blocked arteries leading to the heart)
- Heart failure
- Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
- Previous heart attack
- Abnormal heart electrical pathways (e.g., WPW syndrome)
3. Non-Cardiac Medical Conditions
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
4. Medications and Substances
- Caffeine or nicotine
- Alcohol
- Illicit drugs (such as cocaine or amphetamines)
- Certain medications (e.g., asthma inhalers, decongestants)
5. Electrolyte Imbalances
- Low potassium or magnesium
- High calcium levels
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical attention if you experience tachycardia along with: - Chest pain - Dizziness or fainting - Shortness of breath - Palpitations that do not stop
Conclusion
A fast heart rate can be caused by a wide range of factors, from benign conditions to life-threatening illnesses. If you frequently experience a high heart rate, consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Tachycardia
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/algorithms/algorithmacls_tachycardia_200612.pdf
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
-
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!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.