Tachycardia and Heart Rate

Introduction

Tachycardia is a condition in which the heart beats faster than normal, generally above 100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults. It occurs when the heart's electrical signals cause a rapid heartbeat.

Normal Heart Rate

• Resting heart rate: 60–100 bpm
• Tachycardia: More than 100 bpm
• Bradycardia (slow heartbeat): Less than 60 bpm

Causes of Tachycardia

Tachycardia can result from various factors, such as: - Physical exertion (exercise, stress, pain) - Medical conditions (fever, anemia, hyperthyroidism, dehydration) - Heart diseases (arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, coronary artery disease) - Substance use (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, drugs like cocaine or amphetamines) - Medication side effects (some blood pressure and asthma medications)

Types of Tachycardia

1. Sinus Tachycardia

• The heart rate increases due to normal responses to stimuli (fever, stress, physical activity).
• Usually harmless and resolves when the trigger is removed.

2. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

• Originates from the upper chambers of the heart (atria).
• Symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, chest discomfort.
• May require medical intervention if persistent.

3. Ventricular Tachycardia

• Originates from the lower chambers ( ventricles ).
• Can be dangerous, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
• Immediate medical attention is needed.

Symptoms of Tachycardia

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Chest pain
• Fainting (syncope)

Diagnosis

Tachycardia is diagnosed using: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Records the heart’s electrical activity. - Holter monitor – A portable ECG worn for 24+ hours. - Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to check heart structure. - Blood tests – Check for thyroid issues, anemia, or electrolytes.

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the cause and type of tachycardia:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

Medications

• Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers (to slow heart rate)
• Anti-arrhythmic drugs (to regulate rhythm)

Medical Procedures

• Cardioversion (electric shock to reset heart rhythm)
• Ablation therapy (destroying abnormal heart pathways)
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) (for high-risk patients)

When to Seek Medical Help?

Seek emergency care if you experience: - Chest pain or pressure - Severe shortness of breath - Fainting or loss of consciousness

Conclusion

Tachycardia can be a normal response to stress or a sign of a serious heart condition. Understanding its causes and symptoms is crucial for proper management and timely medical intervention.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Tachycardia

1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
2. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
4. https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/algorithms/algorithmacls_tachycardia_200612.pdf
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on 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.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84

3. ESC Guidelines for the Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia

1. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
2. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14563598/