Understanding Tachycardia

Introduction

Tachycardia refers to a heart rate that is faster than normal. Generally, a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults is considered tachycardia.

Types of Tachycardia

There are several types of tachycardia, including:

1. Sinus Tachycardia – A normal response to stress, fever, or exercise.
2. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) – A rapid heart rhythm originating above the ventricles.
3. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – An irregular and fast rhythm from the atria.
4. Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) – A dangerous rhythm originating in the ventricles, which can lead to cardiac arrest.
5. Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib) – A life-threatening condition causing uncoordinated heartbeats.

Causes of Tachycardia

Tachycardia can have various causes, including:

• Physical exertion or stress
• Fever or infections
• Heart conditions (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease)
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Medications or stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, drugs)
• Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism)
• Anemia or dehydration

Symptoms of Tachycardia

Some people may not experience symptoms, but common ones include:

• Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fainting (syncope)

Diagnosis and Tests

To diagnose tachycardia, doctors may use:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
• Holter monitor (24-hour ECG monitoring)
• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
• Blood tests (thyroid function, electrolytes)
• Electrophysiological study (EPS) for detailed heart rhythm analysis

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and cause of tachycardia:

Immediate Treatment:

• Vagal maneuvers (such as bearing down or coughing) to slow the heart rate
• Medications (beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs)
• Cardioversion (electrical shock to restore normal rhythm)

Long-Term Management:

• Lifestyle modifications (reducing caffeine, stress, alcohol, smoking cessation)
• Medications to control heart rate and rhythm
• Ablation therapy (destroying abnormal electrical pathways in the heart)
• Implantable cardiac devices (pacemaker, defibrillator for severe cases)

Prevention of Tachycardia

• Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle (exercise, balanced diet, no smoking)
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques
• Regular medical check-ups to detect underlying conditions

If you experience persistent palpitations or symptoms like chest pain and fainting, seek medical attention immediately.

Source recommendations

1. 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/

2. 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

3. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Ventricular Arrhythmias

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945