Rapid Heart Rate (Tachycardia)

Introduction

A rapid heart rate, medically known as tachycardia, occurs when the heart beats faster than the normal range. For adults, a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute (bpm) is generally considered tachycardia.

Causes of Rapid Heart Rate

Tachycardia can be caused by various factors, including: - Physiological causes: Stress, anxiety, physical exertion, fever, dehydration - Cardiac causes: Atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) - Metabolic and hormonal imbalances: Hyperthyroidism, electrolyte disturbances - Medications and substances: Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, certain medications (e.g., beta-agonists, decongestants) - Other conditions: Anemia, infections, hypoxia (low oxygen levels)

Symptoms

• Palpitations (fast or irregular heartbeats)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Fatigue
• Fainting (syncope) in severe cases

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience: - Severe chest pain - Difficulty breathing - Fainting or near-fainting - A heart rate persistently above 120-140 bpm at rest

Diagnosis

To diagnose tachycardia, a doctor may perform: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) – to record the heart’s electrical activity - Holter monitor – a 24-hour ECG for detecting intermittent arrhythmias - Echocardiogram – ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function - Blood tests – to check for thyroid, electrolyte, and metabolic abnormalities

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the cause and severity: 1. Lifestyle modifications: - Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and smoking - Practice stress management (e.g., meditation, yoga) - Maintain proper hydration 2. Medications: - Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers (e.g., metoprolol, diltiazem) - Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., amiodarone) 3. Medical Procedures: - Cardioversion (electrical shock to restore rhythm) - Ablation therapy (destroying abnormal cardiac tissue causing arrhythmia) - Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in severe cases

Conclusion

Tachycardia can range from a benign condition to a serious cardiac issue requiring medical intervention. If you experience persistent symptoms, consult a doctor for evaluation and management.

Source recommendations

1. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Supraventricular Tachycardia

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
4. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311

2. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias

1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
3. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/

3. ESC Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
5. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779