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 Fast Heartbeat (Tachycardia)
Introduction
A fast heartbeat, also known as tachycardia, refers to a heart rate that exceeds 100 beats per minute (bpm) at rest. While it may not always be dangerous, persistent or severe tachycardia can indicate underlying heart conditions that require medical attention.
Causes of Fast Heartbeat
1. Physiological Causes (Normal Responses)
- Exercise
- Stress or anxiety
- Fever
- Caffeine or alcohol consumption
- Dehydration
2. Cardiac Causes (Heart-Related Issues)
- Atrial fibrillation or flutter
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
- Heart failure
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
3. Non-Cardiac Causes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Anemia
- Low blood pressure (shock)
- Medication side effects (e.g., stimulants, beta-agonists)
Symptoms of Tachycardia
- Palpitations (feeling a rapid heart rate)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain (especially if linked to heart disease)
- Fainting (syncope)
When to Seek Medical Help?
- If tachycardia is persistent or recurrent
- If accompanied by fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
- If it occurs suddenly and does not resolve on its own
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
A cardiologist may use: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) to identify irregular rhythms - Holter monitor for continuous monitoring - Echocardiogram to check heart structure - Blood tests for thyroid function, anemia, or electrolyte imbalances
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing caffeine, stress management, hydration
- Medications: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anti-arrhythmic drugs
- Procedures: Catheter ablation, pacemaker placement, or cardioversion in severe cases
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and stress
- Manage underlying conditions like high blood pressure and thyroid disorders
- Regular heart check-ups to detect early signs of arrhythmias
Conclusion
A fast heartbeat can be normal or a sign of underlying health problems. If it is persistent or causing symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Proper diagnosis and treatment can effectively manage tachycardia and reduce its risks.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for Management of Tachycardia
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
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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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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.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.