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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 Tachycardia and Arrhythmia: Causes and Risk Factors
Introduction
Tachycardia and arrhythmia are two closely related terms describing irregular heart rhythms. Tachycardia refers to a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate (typically above 100 beats per minute in adults), while arrhythmia is a broader term for any abnormal heart rhythm, whether too fast, too slow, or irregular. Understanding their causes is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Tachycardia Arrhythmia
Tachycardia arrhythmia can be caused by several factors, including:
1. Cardiac Conditions
- Coronary artery disease (narrowing of heart arteries)
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Heart failure (weakened heart muscle)
- Congenital heart defects
- Valve disorders
2. Electrolyte Imbalances
- Low or high levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium can disrupt electrical signaling in the heart.
3. Medical Conditions
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Fever and infections
4. Lifestyle and External Factors
- High caffeine or alcohol consumption
- Smoking and drug use (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines)
- Excessive stress and anxiety
- Physical overexertion or dehydration
5. Medications and Stimulants
- Certain medications, including asthma drugs and decongestants
- Beta-adrenergic agonists (used in asthma and COPD treatment)
- Some antidepressants and antipsychotic medications
Comorbidities and Risk Factors
Patients with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic lung disease, are at higher risk. Genetic predisposition also plays a role in arrhythmias.
Conclusion
Tachycardia arrhythmia can arise from various causes, including heart diseases, electrolyte imbalances, medications, and lifestyle factors. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for proper management and treatment. If you experience palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, or fainting, consult a doctor immediately.
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 on Tachycardia
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
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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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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.