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.
Causes of Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia)
Introduction
A rapid heartbeat, medically termed tachycardia, occurs when the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute at rest. While occasional episodes may not be harmful, persistent or severe tachycardia can indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
Common Causes of Tachycardia
1. Physiological (Normal) Causes
- Exercise – The heart pumps faster to supply muscles with oxygen.
- Stress and Anxiety – Emotional distress triggers the release of adrenaline.
- Caffeine, Nicotine, or Alcohol – Stimulants can increase heart rate.
- Fever and Illness – The body increases the heart rate to fight infection.
2. Cardiac Causes
- Arrhythmias (Abnormal Heart Rhythms) – Issues like atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) can lead to a fast heartbeat.
- Heart Disease or Heart Failure – The heart compensates for weakened pumping efficiency.
- Previous Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) – Can alter electrical pathways in the heart.
- Congenital Heart Defects – Structural heart problems may contribute to tachycardia.
3. Non-Cardiac Medical Conditions
- Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) – Excess thyroid hormones stimulate the heart.
- Anemia – Low red blood cells force the heart to work harder to deliver oxygen.
- Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) – The heart beats faster to maintain circulation.
- Electrolyte Imbalance – Deficiencies in potassium, magnesium, or calcium affect heart function.
- Dehydration – Reduced blood volume leads to compensatory tachycardia.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek immediate medical attention for rapid heart rate if you also experience: - Chest pain or discomfort - Shortness of breath - Dizziness or fainting - Palpitations that last for a long time
Conclusion
A rapid heartbeat can result from normal physiological responses or underlying medical conditions. Identifying the cause is crucial for effective management. If you experience recurrent tachycardia episodes, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
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 Supraventricular Tachycardia
- 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://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
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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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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.