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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.
Tachycardia: Causes and Risk Factors
Introduction
Tachycardia is a condition in which the heart beats faster than normal—typically over 100 beats per minute in adults. It can be temporary and harmless or a sign of a serious health condition. Understanding the causes of tachycardia is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Tachycardia and Their Causes
1. Sinus Tachycardia
Caused by: - Physical activity - Fever, infections - Anxiety, stress - Anemia - Hyperthyroidism - Dehydration - Medications (e.g., stimulants, decongestants)
2. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Caused by: - Abnormal electrical pathways in the heart - Excessive caffeine or alcohol - Smoking - Sleep deprivation
3. Ventricular Tachycardia
Caused by: - Heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction) - Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., potassium, magnesium) - Drug toxicity (e.g., certain antiarrhythmic medications)
4. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and Atrial Flutter
Caused by: - High blood pressure - Heart failure - Chronic lung disease - Excessive alcohol consumption
Risk Factors for Tachycardia
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
- Thyroid disorders
- Structural heart disease
Conclusion
Tachycardia can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from lifestyle choices to serious medical conditions. If you experience frequent or persistent tachycardia, consulting a cardiologist is essential. Early diagnosis and management can prevent complications such as heart failure or stroke.
When to Seek Medical Help
- If tachycardia is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or dizziness
- If heart rate remains elevated at rest
- If palpitations become frequent or severe
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 Tachyarrhythmias
- 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://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/
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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!
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.