Tachycardia

What is Tachycardia?

• Tachycardia is a medical term that refers to a faster heartbeat than normal, usually more than 100 beats per minute.
• Sometimes, a faster heartbeat is a normal response due to physical activity, anxiety or stress. But few times, it is an indication of a heart-related problem.
• Based on the cause or part of the heart responsible for the faster heartbeat, it classified into types of tachycardia which includes:
• Atrial fibrillation: Irregular or faster heartbeat is caused by chaotic, irregular electrical impulses in the upper chambers of the heart (Atria) resulting in weak or rapid contractions of atria.
• Atrial flutter: In atrial flutter, the upper chambers of the heartbeats very rapidly but at a regular rate resulting in weak contractions of atria.
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): Abnormal or rapid heartbeat in the lower chambers of the heart (Ventricle). It is usually caused by abnormal circulation in the heart, present at birth and creates a loop of overlapping signals.
• Ventricular tachycardia: Abnormal electrical signals in the lower chambers of the heart (Ventricles).
• Ventricular fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation occurs when there is a rapid, chaotic electrical impulse in the lower chambers of the heart (Ventricles). This may occur during or after a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of tachycardia?

• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Syncope (Fainting)
• Lightheadedness

What are the causes of tachycardia?

• High blood pressure
• Hypothyroid/Hyperthyroid
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Stress
• Certain stimulants like methamphetamine, cocaine

What are the complications of tachycardia?

• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Cardiac arrest
• Sudden death

How is tachycardia diagnosed?

• Electrocardiogram: This is a noninvasive test, to check the electrical activity of the heart which determines rate and rhythm.
• Echocardiogram: Utilizes ultrasound images to check chambers, valves of the heart
• Holter monitoring: The patient is advised to wear a portable device to record continuous ECG for about 24 to 72 hours.
• Event monitoring: If a patient presents a normal heartbeat during Holter monitoring or palpitation present weekly once, the doctor might recommend an event monitor. A small device intended to monitor heartbeat over a week to a month.

How is tachycardia treated?

• Beta-blockers to control the heart’s rate and rhythm
• Cardioversion: This involves applying an electrical current to the heart to correct rhythm and rate
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: This helps in controlling rate and rhythm by using electrical current
• Ablation or radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation: Destroy the part of the heart that is sending  abnormal or rapid electrical signals
• Manage stress levels
• Avoid stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine
• Avoid alcohol intake