An abnormally rapid heart rate. Thresholds for different age, gender, and patient populations exist.

Symptoms of Tachycardia

The following features are indicative of Tachycardia:
  • shortness of breath
  • lightheadedness
  • rapid pulse rate
  • heart palpitations
  • chest pain
  • fainting
It is possible that Tachycardia shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Tachycardia

The following are the most common causes of Tachycardia:
  • damage to heart tissues
  • congenital heart conditions
  • anemia
  • excessive exercising
  • sudden stress
  • high blood pressure

Other Causes of Tachycardia

The following are the less common causes of Tachycardia:
  • low blood pressure
  • excessive smoking
  • fever
  • excessive alcohol consumption
  • excessive drinking of caffeinated beverages
  • hyperthyroidism

Risk Factors for Tachycardia

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Tachycardia:
  • adult age
  • family history of tachycardia
  • heavy alcohol use
  • diabetes
  • sleep apnea
  • high blood pressure
  • anxiety
  • anemia
  • underactive thyroid
  • heavy caffeine use

Prevention of Tachycardia

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Tachycardia. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • regular exercising
  • eat a healthy diet
  • maintain healthy weight
  • keep cholesterol levels under control
  • stop smoking
  • drink at moderate levels
  • avoid using recreational drugs
  • limit caffeine usage
  • control stressful conditions

Occurrence of Tachycardia

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Tachycardia cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Common between 1 - 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Tachycardia can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Tachycardia can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Tachycardia

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Tachycardia:
  • ECG (Electrocardiogram): Detects and records heart's electrical activity using small sensors
  • Electrophysiological test: Confirms the diagnosis or to pinpoint the location of problems in heart's circuitry
  • MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging): Diagnose the moving pictures of how the blood is flowing through the heart and detect irregularities
  • CT scan (Computerized tomography): Provides a detailed cross-sectional view of the heart
  • Coronary angiogram: Reveals the potential blockages or abnormalities in heart

Complications of Tachycardia if untreated

Yes, Tachycardia causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Tachycardia is left untreated:
  • heart failure
  • stroke
  • sudden cardiac arrest
  • frequent fainting

Procedures for Treatment of Tachycardia

The following procedures are used to treat Tachycardia:
  • Open-heart surgery: To destroy an extra electrical pathway causing tachycardia
  • Pacemaker implantation: Emits an electrical pulse that helps the heart to resume a normal beat

Self-care for Tachycardia

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Tachycardia:
  • regular exercising
  • eat a healthy diet
  • Maintain healthy weight: Reduces risk of developing heart diseases
  • Keep cholesterol levels under control
  • stop smoking
  • drink alcohol at moderate levels
  • avoid using recreational drugs
  • limit caffeine usage
  • control stressful conditions

Time for Treatment of Tachycardia

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Tachycardia to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Within 1 day

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Tachycardia.
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia
Ventricular Tachycardia

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