-
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.
Racing Heartbeat (Tachycardia)
Introduction
A racing heartbeat, also called tachycardia, is a condition where your heart beats faster than normal. Normally, a healthy adult’s heart rate is between 60-100 beats per minute (BPM). If your heart rate is above 100 BPM while at rest, it could be tachycardia.
Causes of Tachycardia
There are many reasons why your heart might beat too fast. Some common causes include:
1. Physiological Causes (Normal Reactions)
- Exercise
- Anxiety or stress
- Fever
- Caffeine or alcohol
- Nicotine or other stimulants
2. Medical Conditions
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Irregular and often rapid heartbeat that increases stroke risk.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Abnormally fast heart rate starting in the atria.
- Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Dangerous fast heartbeat from lower chambers (ventricles).
- Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid gland increasing heart rate.
- Anemia: Lack of red blood cells causing the heart to pump faster.
- Dehydration: Low blood volume forcing the heart to beat quicker.
Symptoms of Tachycardia
- Palpitations (feeling your heart racing)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fainting (in severe cases)
When to Seek Medical Help
You should see a doctor if: - Your racing heart happens frequently and lasts several minutes. - You feel chest pain or shortness of breath. - You have a history of heart disease. - You faint or feel extremely dizzy.
Diagnosis and Tests
Doctors may use the following tests: - Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) – Records the heart’s electrical activity. - Holter Monitor – A 24-hour ECG to track abnormal rhythms. - Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to check heart structure. - Electrophysiology Study (EPS) – Examines how electrical signals travel through your heart.
Treatment Options
Lifestyle Modifications
- Reduce stress (yoga, meditation).
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking.
- Stay hydrated.
- Get enough sleep.
Medications
- Beta-Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol): Slow down the heart rate.
- Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Diltiazem, Verapamil): Control heart rhythms.
- Antiarrhythmic Drugs (e.g., Amiodarone): Used for serious rhythm disorders.
Medical Procedures
- Cardioversion: A controlled shock to restore normal rhythm.
- Ablation Therapy: Destroys abnormal electrical pathways in the heart.
- Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): Helps regulate heartbeat.
Conclusion
Tachycardia can be a minor issue or a serious medical condition depending on the cause. If you experience frequent palpitations or a racing heart, consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications like stroke or heart failure.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association – Tachycardia Guidelines
- 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 – Supraventricular Tachycardia Guidelines
- 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14563598/
3. European Society of Cardiology – Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death Guidelines
- 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/circulationaha.106.178233
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16949478/
-
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:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.