Tachycardia – causes, symptoms and treatment of tachycardia

Tachycardia is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias, characterized by accelerated heart rate.In this article, we will learn what exactly tachycardia is, its causes, symptoms, methods of diagnosis and effective methods of treating this condition.

What is tachycardia?

Tachycardia is a condition in which the heart beats at an excessive rate, exceeding 100 beats per minute in adults.It may occur both as a spontaneous condition or as a result of other diseases or triggers.It is usually the result of disturbances in the conduction of electrical impulses in the heart, which controls the rhythm of its work.

Tachycardia – causes of accelerated heart rate

The causes of tachycardia can be diverse and include many factors.Most often, however, tachycardia can be caused by:

• Nervous system disorders such as stress and anxiety
• Abuse of alcohol, caffeine or drugs
• Hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism
• Heart diseases such as atrial fibrillation
• Chronic lung diseases
• Hypertension

Tachycardia – symptoms of tachycardia

The symptoms of tachycardia may vary, depending on the type and severity of the condition.The most common symptoms are:

• Fast heartbeat
• Anxiety and feeling of shortness of breath
• Flashing before eyes
• Weakness and dizziness
• Pain in the chest

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are intense or last for a long time, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Tachycardia – diagnostics

Diagnosing tachycardia requires a comprehensive approach.The doctor will perform tests including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a test that allows recording the electrical activity of the heart.
• Blood tests – may show the presence of substances that may affect the functioning of the heart.
• Holter monitoring – is 24-hour monitoring of heart rate in everyday conditions.
• Echocardiography – an ultrasound examination of the heart to assess its structure and function.

Tachycardia – treatment

Treatment of tachycardia depends on the type and causes of the condition.May include:

• Pharmacological agents – antiarrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers or calcium channel inhibitors may be prescribed to control the heart rhythm.
• Electrical cardioversion – a procedure in which the heart is reset using electrical impulses.
• Ablation – a procedure that involves removing or destroying areas of the heart responsible for abnormal impulses.
• Hormone therapy – in the case of tachycardia caused by hyperthyroidism.

Your suggestions

If you suspect that you or someone else has tachycardia, consult your doctor immediately.If left untreated, tachycardia can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart failure or even a heart attack.Regular check-ups with a cardiologist are also important for people at risk of tachycardia.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about heart health and cardiovascular disease, we recommend you check out our other articles on the topic:

• “Atrial fibrillation – causes, symptoms and treatment”
• “Hypertension – how to effectively control your blood pressure”
• “Healthy lifestyle and heart – how to take care of your heart every day”

Remember that heart health is extremely important, so it is worth being aware of your risk and checking your heart condition regularly.