What is Tachycardia?

Tachycardia

The term “tachycardia” refers to an irregularly rapid heartbeat, in which the heart beats more than 100 times per minute while at rest.

Heart Beat

Understanding how the heart typically functions may be beneficial.

The four chambers of the heart are as follows: the ventricles are the two lower chambers, and the atria are the two upper chambers. A cluster of cells known as the sinus node is located inside the upper chamber of the right heart. Each heartbeat is initiated by impulses produced by the sinus node.

The signals travel through the heart’s upper chambers. After that, the signals typically slow down as they reach the AV node, a collection of cells. The heart’s bottom chambers get the signals next.This mechanism of signalling is normally unproblematic in a healthy person.

Tachycardia

For a few seconds to several hours, your heart beats more quickly than usual when you have tachycardia. Your resting heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute. During rest, tachycardia is defined as a heartbeat that occurs more than 100 times per minute.

Your heart doesn’t have enough time to fill with blood in between beats because it beats too frequently. If your heart is unable to provide all of your cells with the blood and oxygen they require, this could be harmful.Normally, the sinoatrial (SA) node in your heart sends electrical signals to your heart. Your heart’s frequency of beat is regulated by these signals. Your heart may temporarily send impulses more frequently if you’ve experienced a scare, are really agitated or nervous, or are exercising. 

Types of Tachycardia

Tachycardia comes in a wide variety of forms. A typical rise in heart rate, frequently brought on by stress or activity, is known as sinus tachycardia.

The causes of other types of tachycardia and the heart’s specific region causing the rapid heartbeat are categorised. Typical forms of tachycardia brought on by erratic cardiac rhythms include:

• AFib, also known as atrial fibrillation – Tachycardia of this kind is the most prevalent kind. The heart’s top chambers, or atria, are where chaotic, erratic electrical signals first appear. A rapid heartbeat is brought on by these impulses. Temporary Afib is possible. 
• Atrial Flutter – A-fib and atrial flutter are similar, however atrial flutter has more regular heartbeats. Atrial fibrillation episodes may resolve on their own or may require medical attention. Atrial fibrillation is frequently accompanied by A-fib in patients.
• Ventricular tachycardia – The ventricles, which are the lower heart chambers, are the source of this erratic heartbeat. Too much blood is pumped to the body by the ventricles because of the rapid heartbeat. Without causing injury, episodes might be short, lasting only a few seconds. However, if an episode lasts longer than a few seconds, it may be fatal.
• SVT, or supraventricular tachycardia – The general name for irregular heart rhythms that begin above the lower heart chambers is supraventricular tachycardia. Heart pounding occurrences that come on suddenly are a symptom of supraventricular tachycardia.
• Ventricular Fibrillation – Failure to restore the cardiac rhythm within minutes might be fatal in this critical condition. The lower heart chambers quiver rather than contract in a coordinated manner due to rapid and disorganised electrical signals. The majority of individuals who have this kind of abnormal heart rhythm either have cardiac disease or have had a major injury, like being hit by lightning.

Symptoms of Tachycardia

There are some tachycardia sufferers who show no symptoms. If an examination or cardiac tests are performed for another purpose, the rapid heartbeat can be detected.

These symptoms are generally associated with tachycardia:

• Palpitations 
• Chest aches.
• Passing Out.
• Feeling dizzy.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Breathlessness

Causes for Tachycardia

An elevated heart rate for whatever reason is known as tachycardia. Different types of tachycardia can result from most heart diseases. Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, are one of the causes. The following are other factors that might cause tachycardia:

• A fever
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Rehab from alcohol
• A surplus of caffeine.
• Hypertension or hypotension.
• Variations in the body’s electrolyte (or mineral) levels. Examples include magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium.
• A few medications.

Risk Factors for Tachycardia

Generally speaking, the following may be some of the risk factors for tachycardia:

• Ageing is one factor that may increase the chance of tachycardia-causing abnormal heart rhythms
• Possessing a family history of certain cardiac rhythm problems
• Elevated BP

Complications of Tachycardia

An excessively rapid heartbeat may result in insufficient blood flow to the body. Consequently, the tissues and organs might not receive adequate oxygen.Following can a few of the complications arising due to tachycardia:

• Blood clots that can result in a heart attack or stroke are one of the possible side effects of tachycardia. 
• Consistent fainting or unconsciousness
• Heart attack.
• A sudden heart arrest. 

Preventing Tachycardia

Maintaining heart health is the best defence against tachycardia. See your doctor on a regular basis. Adhere to your treatment plan if you have heart disease. Try these suggestions to maintain heart health and prevent heart disease:

• Abstain from smoking.
• Consume less salt and saturated fat in your diet.
• On the majority of the weekdays, work out for at least 30 minutes each day.
• Retain a healthy body mass.
• Lower and control your stress.
• Manage diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

When to see a doctor?

Schedule a health examination with your doctor if you believe your heart is pounding too quickly or see these other symptoms :

• Chest pain or discomfort 
• Breathing difficulty
• Frailty
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Dying or coming close to dying

Conclusion

It’s not always an issue when your heart rate is fast. When exercising or under stress, for example, the heart rate often increases.A tachycardia might not result in any problems or symptoms. However, occasionally it signals a health issue that requires care. If treatment is not received for certain types of tachycardia, major health issues may result. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is tachycardia curable?

When the worry, anxiety, or other emotion that produced your sinus tachycardia subsides, so will your symptoms. For the majority of other forms of tachycardia, you will require treatment with medication or maybe surgery to prevent recurrence of symptoms.

2. Does tachycardia pose a threat?

Indeed, some tachycardias are harmful, particularly ventricular fibrillation. While some tachycardias are harmless, some might lead to somewhat hazardous problems.

3. Is an arrhythmia tachycardia?

Indeed, an arrhythmia in which your heart rate is significantly higher than usual is called tachycardia. Another type of arrhythmia is bradycardia, which occurs when the heart rate is too low.