Description

Tachycardia (tak-ih-KAHR-dee-uh) is the medical term for a heart rate over 100 beats per minute. Many types of irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, can cause tachycardia.

A fast heart rate is not always a concern. For example, the heart rate usually increases during exercise, or as a response to stress.

The tachycardia may cause no symptoms or complications. But sometimes it is a warning of a medical condition that requires attention. Some forms of tachycardia can lead to serious health problems if not treated. These problems can include heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac death.

The treatment of the tachycardia may include specific actions or movements, medicine, cardioversion, or surgery for the control of a fast heartbeat.

Types of

There are many different types of tachycardia. Sinus tachycardia refers to a usual increase in heart rate often caused by exercise or stress.

Other types of tachycardia are grouped according to the cause and the part of the heart causing the fast heart rate. Common types of tachycardia caused by irregular heart rhythms, which include:

  • Atrial fibrillation, also called afib. This is the most common type of tachycardia. Chaotic, irregular electrical signals start in the upper chambers of the heart, the atria. These signals trigger a rapid heartbeat. A-fib may be temporary. But some episodes will not end unless treated.
  • Atrial flutter. Atrial flutter is similar to the a-fib , but beats of the heart are more organized. Episodes of atrial flutter may disappear by themselves, or they may require treatment. People who have atrial flutter also often have A-fib on other occasions.
  • The Ventricular tachycardia. This irregular heart rhythm starts in the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles). The rapid heart rate, you don't allow the ventricles to fill and squeeze to pump enough blood to the body. The episodes may be brief and last only a couple of seconds without causing damage. But the episodes that last more than a few seconds, it can be deadly.
  • Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Supraventricular tachycardia is a broad term that includes irregular heart rhythms that start above the bottom chambers of the heart. Supraventricular tachycardia causes episodes of strong heart beats that begin and end abruptly.
  • Ventricular fibrillation. This serious condition that can be fatal if the heart rhythm is not restored in a matter of minutes. Rapid, chaotic electrical signals cause the lower chambers of the heart to quiver instead of squeezing in a coordinated manner. Most people with this type of irregular rhythm of the heart have heart disease or have had a severe injury such as being struck by lightning.

Symptoms

Some people with tachycardia do not have symptoms. The fast beat of the heart may be discovered when a physical examination or test of the heart is done for another reason.

In general, the tachycardia can cause these symptoms:

  • Racing, pounding heartbeats or flopping in the chest, called palpitations.
  • Pain in the chest.
  • Fainting.
  • The dizziness.
  • Rapid pulse.
  • Shortness of breath.

When to see a doctor

Many things can cause tachycardia. If you feel that your heart is beating too fast, to make an appointment for a health checkup.

Seek medical help right away if you have:

  • Chest pain or discomfort.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • The weakness.
  • Dizziness or feeling light-headed.
  • Fainting or near fainting.

A type of rapid heartbeat called ventricular fibrillation is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

During ventricular fibrillation, blood pressure drops dramatically. The person's breathing and pulse stop because the heart is not pumping blood throughout the body. This is also called a cardiac arrest. The person usually falls, also called collapses.

If this happens, do the following:

  • Call 911 or the emergency number in your area.
  • StartCPR. CPR helps keep blood flow to the organs until other treatments can be started.
  • If you are not trained inCPRor concerned about giving breaths of rescue, then, to provide hands onlyCPR. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute until paramedics arrive. The American Heart Association suggests to do compressions to the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive." You don't need to do the breathing mouth-to-mouth.
  • To have someone to get an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is nearby. An AED is a portable device that provides a shock to reset the heart rhythm. The training is Not required to use the device. The DEA says what to do. It is scheduled to give a shock only when it is appropriate.

Causes

Tachycardia is a heart rate increase for any reason. If a fast heart rate is caused by exercise or stress, it is called sinus tachycardia. Sinus tachycardia is a symptom, not a disease.

Most of the diseases of the heart can lead to different forms of tachycardia. The irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, are one of the causes. An example of an irregular heart rhythm is atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Other things that may cause tachycardia include:

  • Fever.
  • The excessive use of alcohol, defined as 14 or more drinks a week for a man or seven or more drinks a week for a woman.
  • Abstinence from Alcohol.
  • The excess of caffeine.
  • High or low blood pressure.
  • Changes in the level of minerals in the body, called electrolytes. Examples include potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium.
  • Certain medications.
  • The hyperactivity of the thyroid, called hyperthyroidism.
  • A low number of red blood cells, called anemia.
  • Smoking or use of nicotine.
  • Illicit use of stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine.
  • Heart attack.

Sometimes the exact cause of the tachycardia is not known.

How does the heart beat?

To understand the cause of the tachycardia, can be useful to know how the heart works normally.

The heart has four chambers:

  • The two upper chambers are called atria.
  • The two lower chambers are called the ventricles.

In the interior of the upper right part of the heart of the camera is a group of cells called the sinus node. The sinus node causes the signal start of each beat of the heart.

The signals move through the upper chambers of the heart. Then, the signals that arrive at a group of cells called the AV node, where it is usually slower. The signals then go to the bottom chambers of the heart.

In a healthy heart, this signaling process usually goes well. The resting heart rate is usually 60 to 100 beats per minute. But in tachycardia, something that makes the heart beat faster than 100 beats per minute.

Risk factors

In general, the things that can increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms that commonly cause tachycardia include:

  • Aging.
  • Having a family history of certain heart rhythm disorders.
  • The high blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes and treatment of diseases of the heart can reduce the risk of tachycardia.

Complications

When the heart beats too fast, can't pump enough blood to the body. As a result, organs and tissues may not get enough oxygen.

Complications of the tachycardia depends on:

  • The type of tachycardia.
  • How fast the heart is beating.
  • How long the fast heart rate lasts.
  • If there are other heart conditions.

Potential complications of the tachycardia may include:

  • The blood clots that can cause a heart attack or a stroke. Blood thinner can be used to reduce this risk.
  • Frequent fainting or loss of consciousness.
  • Heart failure.
  • The sudden cardiac death. This is usually only associated with ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

Prevention

The best way to prevent tachycardia is to keep the heart healthy. Regular health checkups. If you have heart disease, follow your treatment plan. Take all of your medications as directed.

Try these tips to prevent heart disease and keep your heart healthy:

  • Do not smoke.
  • Eating a diet low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.
  • Control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
  • Sleep well. Adults should get 7 to 9 hours a day.

Talk with your health care team before using any medication. Some cold and cough medications, stimulants, that can initiate a rapid heartbeat. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine are stimulants that can cause changes in your heart rhythm.

Diagnosis

To diagnose ventricular tachycardia, a healthcare professional will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms, health habits, and medical history.

Tests

Tests may be done to confirm an unusually fast heartbeat, and look for the cause. Tests to diagnose tachycardia may include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).This quick test checks the heartbeat. Sticky patches, called electrodes, are attached to the chest and, at times, the arms or the legs. AnECGshows the speed or slowness with which the heart is beating. Some personal devices, such as smartwatches, you can doECGs. Ask your health care team if this is an option for you.
  • Holter Monitor. This portable ECG device is worn by a day or more, to record the heart's activity during daily activities. This test can detect irregular heartbeats that are not found during an ECG test.
  • Monitor events. This device is as a Holter monitor, but the records only at certain times for a few minutes at a time. It is typically used for about 30 days. Normally push of a button when you feel symptoms. Some devices automatically record when an irregular heart rhythm is noticed.
  • The echocardiogram. Use sound waves to create images of the beating heart. This test can show how blood flows through the heart and the heart valves.
  • X-ray of the chest. An x-ray of the chest shows the condition of the heart and the lungs.
  • MRIscan of the heart. It is also called a cardiac mri , this test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the heart. It is most often done to find the cause of the ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
  • CTscan of the heart. Also called a cardiac CT scan , this test takes several X-ray images to provide a more detailed look at the heart. Can be done to find the cause of the ventricular tachycardia.
  • The coronary angiography. Coronary angiography is performed to check for blocked or narrowing of the blood vessels in the heart. It uses a dye and special X-rays to show the inside of the coronary arteries. The examination may be done to look at the blood supply of the heart in people with ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
  • Electrophysiology (EP) study.This test may be done to confirm the diagnosis of tachycardia. You can help to find where in the heart of the incorrect signaling occurs. AnEPstudy is mainly used to diagnose specific types of tachycardia and an irregular heart beat. During this test, one or more flexible tubes are guided through a blood vessel, usually in the groin, to the various areas in the heart. Sensors at the tips of the tubes and record the electrical signals of the heart.
  • The stress tests. The exercise can trigger or worsen some types of tachycardia. Stress tests are done to see how exercise affects the heart. They often involve walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike while the heart is on. If you can't do the exercise, you may administer a drug that increases the heart rate as you exercise. Sometimes an echocardiogram is done during a stress test.
  • Tilt table test. This test may be done to know if a rapid heartbeat leading to fainting. The heart rate and rhythm and blood pressure are checked while you lie down on a table. Then, under careful supervision, the table is tilted to a standing position. A member of your care team watches how the heart and the nervous system that controls it to respond to changes in the position.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This quick test checks the heartbeat. Sticky patches, called electrodes, are attached to the chest and, at times, the arms or the legs. An EKG shows how fast or slow the heart is beating.

Some personal devices, such as smartwatches, you can do Ekgs . Ask your health care team if this is an option for you.

Electrophysiology (EP) study. This test may be done to confirm the diagnosis of tachycardia. You can help to find where in the heart of the incorrect signaling occurs. An EP study is primarily used to diagnose specific types of tachycardia and an irregular heart beat.

During this test, one or more flexible tubes are guided through a blood vessel, usually in the groin, to the various areas in the heart. Sensors at the tips of the tubes and record the electrical signals of the heart.

Treatment

The objectives of the tachycardia treatment are to slow a rapid heartbeat and to prevent future episodes of a fast heart rate.

If another health condition that is causing tachycardia, treating the underlying problem can reduce or prevent episodes of a fast heartbeat.

The delay of a fast heart rate

A rapid heart rate can be corrected himself. But sometimes medications or other treatments are needed to slow down the heartbeat.

Ways of reducing the speed of a fast heart rate include:

  • Maneuvers vagal. Simple but with specific actions, such as coughing, bearing down as if to step stools or putting a bag of ice on your face can help to slow the pace of the heart. Your health care team may ask you to do these specific actions during an episode of a rapid heartbeat. Actions that affect the vagus nerve. The nerves helps to control heartbeat.
  • Drugs. If the maneuvers vagal not stop the rapid heartbeat, the medicine may be needed to correct the heart rhythm.
  • Cardioversion. Paddles or patches on the chest are used to electrically shock the heart and restore the heart rhythm. Cardioversion is usually used when you need emergency care or when maneuvering vagal and the drugs don't work. It is also possible to do cardioversion with medications.

The prevention of future episodes of a fast heart rate

Tachycardia treatment consists in taking measures to prevent the heart from beating too fast. This may involve medications, implanted devices, or the heart of the surgeries or procedures.

  • Drugs. Medications are often used to control the heart rate.
  • The ablation catheter.In this procedure, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tubes called catheters through a blood vessel, usually in the groin area. The sensors in the tip of the catheters, the use of heat or cold energy to create small scars on the heart. The scars of blocks of irregular electrical signals. This helps to restore a typical beat of the heart. Catheter ablation does not require surgery for the heart, but it can be done at the same time as other surgeries of the heart.
  • Pacemaker. A pacemaker is a small device that is surgically implanted under the skin in the chest area. When the device detects an irregular heartbeat, sends an electrical pulse that will help you correct the heart's rhythm.
  • An Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This battery-powered device placed under the skin near the collarbone. Constantly checks the heart's rhythm. If the device detects an irregular heartbeat, sends low-or high-energy shock to reset the heart's rhythm. A health professional may recommend this device if you are at high risk of developing ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
  • Maze procedure. A surgeon makes small incisions in the upper chambers of the heart to create a pattern of scar tissue. The pattern is called a labyrinth. The heart of the signals can't pass through the tissue of the scar. As well, the labyrinth can block stray electrical heart signals that cause some types of tachycardia.
  • Surgery. Sometimes the open-heart surgery that is needed to destroy a pathway extra electrical causing tachycardia. The surgery is usually done only when other treatment options do not work or when surgery is needed for the treatment of another disease of the heart.

The ablation catheter. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tubes called catheters through a blood vessel, usually in the groin area. The sensors in the tip of the catheters, the use of heat or cold energy to create small scars on the heart. The scars of blocks of irregular electrical signals. This helps to restore a typical beat of the heart.

Catheter ablation does not require surgery for the heart, but it can be done at the same time as other surgeries of the heart.

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you have tachycardia, or any type of heart disease, it is important to take steps to keep your heart healthy. The steps include lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking or using tobacco. Your health care team may also suggest that you limit or avoid the consumption of caffeine.

Alternative medicine

Techniques to relieve stress, such as meditation and yoga, may help slow the heart rate. This can reduce the symptoms of tachycardia.

Coping and support

If you have a plan of management of an episode of a rapid heartbeat, can you feel more calm and in control when one occurs. Ask your care team:

  • How to take the pulse and heart rate is the best for you.
  • When and how to do so-called treatments of maneuvers vagal, if appropriate.
  • When to seek emergency care.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have tachycardia, you can see a doctor trained in heart disease. This type of health care professional is called a cardiologist. You can also see a doctor trained in heart rhythm disorders, called an electrophysiologist.

There's often A lot to discuss in a health checkup. It is a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you prepare.

What you can do

Make a list ahead of time, that you can share with your health care team. Your list should include:

  • Any of the symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to your heart.
  • Important personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • All the medicines that you take. Include vitamins, supplements, and medicines purchased with or without a prescription. Also include the dose.
  • Questions to ask your care team.

Basic questions to ask your health care professional include:

  • What is the likely cause of my rapid heart beat?
  • What kinds of tests do I need?
  • What is the most appropriate treatment?
  • What are the risks of my heart, my condition?
  • How can we check my heart?
  • How often will I need follow-up appointments?
  • How will the other conditions that I have, or medications I take affect my heart disease?
  • What should I avoid or stop doing any of the activities?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take my house? What sites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask additional questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care team will probably ask a lot of questions. Be prepared to answer them you can save your time to go through all the information that you want to spend more time. Your care team may ask:

  • When did the symptoms begin?
  • How often do you have episodes of a fast heartbeat?
  • How long does it last?
  • Does anything, like exercise, stress, or caffeine, make your symptoms worse?
  • Does anyone in your family have heart disease or a history of irregular heart rhythms?
  • Has someone in your family has had a cardiac arrest, or sudden death?
  • Do you smoke or have you ever smoked?
  • The amount of alcohol or caffeine use, if any?
  • What medications do you take?
  • Do you have any of the conditions that can affect the health of your heart? For example, are being treated for high blood pressure or high cholesterol?
Symptoms and treatment of Tachycardia