Tachycardia is when the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. The normal heart rate for adults at rest is between 60-100 beats per minute. In common language, tachycardia is often known as “palpitations.” However, palpitation refers to the sensation of feeling your heartbeat, not just an increase in heart rate. Tachycardia can cause palpitations, but not all palpitations are signs of tachycardia.
For example, bradycardia (when the heart beats fewer than 60 times per minute) can also cause palpitations. In this case, long pauses between heartbeats can be felt, creating a sensation of palpitation. Similarly, extra beats outside the normal heart rhythm (extrasystoles) can also be perceived as palpitations.
Accurate assessment of the underlying causes of palpitations is critical for diagnosis and treatment.
What is Tachycardia? What Causes It?
Tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats faster than normal and is a medical term used to describe heart rates above 100 beats per minute. This condition can result from temporary triggers such as heavy exercise, stress, fear, excitement, or caffeine, as well as being a symptom of health problems such as thyroid issues, infections, or arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders).
Frequent and sudden palpitations can be a sign of a serious arrhythmia. It’s important to take the condition seriously if it occurs with complaints such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting.
Additionally, if there is a structural heart disease (e.g., heart failure, previous heart attack, valve disease) or congenital electrical abnormalities of the heart (such as Brugada syndrome, Long or Short QT syndrome, WPW syndrome), serious tachycardias can occur.
To better understand the topic, you can look at the tachycardia classification below.
What are the Types of Tachycardia?
Tachycardia is a condition that arises from different mechanisms in the heart’s electrical system and underlying causes. Different types of tachycardia determine the symptoms patients experience and treatment approaches.
Sinus Tachycardia
Sinus tachycardia is when the sinus node, the heart’s natural rhythm source, works faster than normal. This condition is mostly due to temporary causes such as physical activity, stress, fever, anemia, dehydration (fluid loss), or caffeine and alcohol consumption.
It is generally harmless and resolves itself when the cause is eliminated. However, a rarely seen condition called “inappropriate sinus tachycardia” can cause a constantly rapid heartbeat without any reason. The rate returns to normal during sleep. This condition can seriously affect quality of life and requires expert intervention.
Supraventricular Tachycardias (SVT)
Supraventricular tachycardias are arrhythmias originating from the upper chambers of the heart (atria). Most patients notice that this condition manifests as a sudden onset and regular palpitation.
SVT can usually be terminated with medication or hospital interventions. Subtypes include:
- AVNRT (AV Nodal Re-Entrant Tachycardia): Electrical loops accelerating the rhythm.
- AVRT (Atrioventricular Re-Entrant Tachycardia): Electrical signals circulating through incorrect pathways.
- Atrial Flutter and Atrial Tachycardia: Regular acceleration in heart contractions.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common types of tachycardia. It is an arrhythmia caused by irregular and usually rapid electrical signals in the heart’s atria. This condition can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently and is a serious health problem, especially as it can lead to the formation of blood clots that increase the risk of stroke.
In atrial fibrillation, the pulse is usually irregular, and heartbeats can be felt distinctly. The most important cause of atrial fibrillation is high blood pressure, or hypertension. Additionally, coronary artery diseases, diabetes, and aging play a significant role.
Ventricular Tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia is a serious type of tachycardia originating from the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). It is characterized by a very rapid heartbeat exceeding 120 beats per minute.
VT can be short-term (less than 30 seconds) or persistent. Especially persistent ventricular tachycardias require emergency medical intervention. The heart, unable to pump enough blood, cannot provide oxygen to the brain and other organs, which can be life-threatening.
General Assessment: Types of tachycardia show diversity with their distinctive features and different treatment approaches. While sinus tachycardia is generally harmless and temporary, supraventricular tachycardias can be easily recognized by regular palpitations. Atrial fibrillation requires attention due to the risk of stroke, while ventricular tachycardia is one of the most serious types requiring rapid intervention.
What are the Symptoms of Tachycardia?
Symptoms of tachycardia can vary from person to person and may change depending on the type, severity, and underlying cause of the tachycardia. However, general symptoms of tachycardia may include heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat, dizziness or fainting, chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness. In serious cases, sudden cardiac death may occur.
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fainting (Syncope) or feeling of fainting
- Weakness and fatigue
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Sweating
- Sudden cardiac arrest
If one or more of these symptoms are consistently present or appear with a sudden onset, it may be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
What are the Risk Factors for Tachycardia?
Various risk factors play a role in the development of tachycardia. Structural heart diseases form an important group that increases the risk of tachycardia. Especially previous heart attacks, heart failure, and heart valve diseases can predispose to this condition. Congenital heart diseases and disorders in the heart’s electrical system (for example, Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, WPW syndrome) are other causes that increase the risk of tachycardia.
Metabolic and hormonal imbalances are also among important risk factors for tachycardia. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), anemia, and electrolyte imbalances (especially abnormalities in potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels) can affect heart rate and cause tachycardia.
Lifestyle factors include excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, smoking, inadequate sleep, and chronic stress. These habits can adversely affect the heart’s electrical system, leading to tachycardia.
Some medications and toxic substances can also increase the risk of tachycardia. Especially stimulant drugs (amphetamines, decongestants, diet pills) and antiarrhythmic drugs can cause this condition, while toxic substances (such as cocaine) are also a significant risk factor.
Besides these, health problems such as fever, lung diseases, and obesity can also predispose to tachycardia. Advanced age and genetic predisposition are other factors that play an important role in the development of tachycardia. The risk may be higher in people with a family history of tachycardia or rhythm disorder.
How is Tachycardia Diagnosed?
Tachycardia is diagnosed through an evaluation of the patient’s complaints, physical examination findings, and various tests. In the first stage, the patient’s history is taken to learn when, how frequently, and under what conditions the palpitations occur. Then, an electrocardiography (ECG) is performed to evaluate the heart rate and rhythm.
In some cases, a 24-48 hour rhythm monitoring is done with a Holter device to detect tachycardia attacks. Additionally, additional examinations such as blood tests, thyroid function tests, electrolyte levels, and echocardiography may be requested to understand the cause of the arrhythmia. In more complex cases, a detailed assessment can be made by mapping abnormal electrical pathways in the heart with an electrophysiological study (EP).
How is Tachycardia Treated?
Treatment for tachycardia varies depending on the type and cause of the tachycardia. If tachycardia is caused by an underlying condition such as overactive thyroid, anemia, or infection, the tachycardia usually improves with the treatment of that condition. However, if tachycardia stems from an arrhythmia in the heart, more specific treatment methods are applied.
Treatment options for tachycardias due to arrhythmias include:
Medication Treatment
Medications used to lower heart rate or control arrhythmias are selected based on the type of the disease. These drugs are usually beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmic drugs.
Ablation Treatment
This procedure, done via catheter, aims to permanently treat the arrhythmia by eliminating the source of abnormal electrical signals. Ablation has success rates between 70-99% in many arrhythmias.
Cardioversion
Electric shock therapy or medication can be used to return heart beats to their normal rhythm. This method is usually preferred in emergency situations.
Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
These are devices used especially in life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia. They are designed to regulate heart rhythm or correct it when necessary.
Lifestyle Changes
Avoiding triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, regular exercise, and managing stress are also important parts of treatment.
Each case of tachycardia is different, and the treatment plan is determined based on the patient’s general health condition, severity of symptoms, and type of arrhythmia.
What Should Be Done to Prevent Tachycardia?
You can make some lifestyle changes to prevent tachycardia and reduce the risk. Here are steps that can be taken in this regard:
- Reduce stress: Stress is an important factor that can cause tachycardia. Managing stress is very important for maintaining heart health. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and relaxing activities can help with this.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise improves heart health, increases blood circulation, and reduces stress. However, excessive exercise should be avoided, and an exercise plan should be created with a doctor’s recommendation.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption: Caffeine and alcohol can increase heart rate and lead to tachycardia. Excessive consumption of these substances can disrupt heart rhythm.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a factor that negatively affects heart health. Smoking can accelerate heart rate and cause vascular blockage, increasing the risk of tachycardia.
- Eat healthily: A healthy diet is necessary to maintain heart health. Regularly consuming fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and avoiding excessive salt and saturated fats can improve heart health.
- Get adequate sleep: Insufficient sleep can disrupt heart rhythm and increase the risk of tachycardia. Regular and adequate sleep is important for the body to rest and maintain heart health.
These recommendations can help reduce the risk of tachycardia, but they may need to be adapted according to individual health conditions.
Reference: Tachycardia