What Are the Symptoms of Tachycardia?
- Feeling one's own heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Heart pain
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness
- Lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure.
Can Tachycardia Be Prevented?
- Eat healthily,
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and substance use,
- Avoid taking over-the-counter medications,
- Manage stress
- Keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control,
- Keep up with routine check-ups,
- Maintain a healthy weight is recommended.
How Is Tachycardia Treated?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tachycardia?
The question, what is tachycardia? explains an important concept concerning heart health. Tachycardia means the heart beats faster than normal. In a normal adult, heart rate should be 60–100 beats per minute. A heart rate above this range is called tachycardia.
Tachycardia can originate from the upper chambers (atrium) or lower chambers (ventricle) of the heart. While some types of tachycardia may be temporary and harmless, others can lead to severe rhythm disturbances and heart failure.
Underlying causes of this disorder may include high blood pressure, thyroid diseases, anemia, excessive caffeine consumption, stress, and some medications. Additionally, a congenital abnormality in the heart structure can lay the groundwork for tachycardia. The irregular functioning of heartbeats can weaken the heart’s pumping strength over time and prevent sufficient oxygen from reaching the organs, affecting many systems especially the brain and kidneys.
What Are the Symptoms of Tachycardia?
Tachycardia commonly manifests with the following symptoms:
- Sensation of a pounding heart (throbbing in the throat or chest),
- Shortness of breath,
- Dizziness or feeling faint,
- Chest pain or pressure,
- Weakness, fatigue,
- Anxiety or panic state.
These symptoms may not always indicate tachycardia. However, in cases of recurring palpitations and chest pain, it is recommended to evaluate the heart rhythm via EKG (electrocardiography).
The symptoms of tachycardia may vary depending on age and gender. In women, it may sometimes present with more subtle symptoms, whereas in men, more evident palpitations and chest pain may be noted. In addition, in some individuals, tachycardia episodes may only be triggered during stressful periods. Therefore, obtaining a detailed patient history and identifying triggering factors are important in diagnosis. When symptoms become frequent or affect the person's quality of life, further tests and heart monitoring may be required.
What is Ventricular Tachycardia?
Ventricular tachycardia is a serious rhythm disorder originating from the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. It is generally seen in individuals who have had a heart attack or have structural heart disease.
This type of tachycardia is characterized by very rapid and irregular beats, which can reduce the heart's pumping efficacy. Its symptoms may suddenly start and include:
- Fainting or sudden loss of consciousness,
- Chest pain,
- Absence of pulse (if it turns into ventricular fibrillation),
- Sudden cardiac arrest.
Ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent intervention. Treatment involves electrical shock (defibrillation), antiarrhythmic medications, or the use of ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator).
This rhythm disorder particularly increases the risk of sudden death in persons with heart muscle damage. Individuals with scar tissue in the heart muscle have impaired electrical conduction systems; hence, ventricular tachycardia is more frequently observed. Therefore, long-term monitoring of individuals who have had a heart attack is imperative. If necessary, the source of the rhythm disorder can be identified through an electrophysiologic study, and an ablation procedure can be planned. Furthermore, advanced tests such as echocardiography and angiography can be performed to assess heart functions.
What is Supraventricular Tachycardia?
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a rhythm disorder originating from the upper parts of the heart (atrium) and is characterized by sudden onset palpitation attacks. While SVT is mostly benign, it can be disturbing.
The symptoms of SVT include:
- Sudden onset of palpitations lasting for minutes,
- Sensation of pounding in the heart,
- Mild dizziness or fatigue,
- Sometimes feeling of pressure in the chest.
Attacks can resolve spontaneously. If they frequently recur, electrophysiological studies and ablation treatment can be planned.
During SVT attacks, patients can perform certain techniques known as vagal maneuvers to slow their heart rate. These include coughing, washing the face with cold water, or holding breath and straining. If these methods are ineffective, medication treatment or electrical cardioversion in the emergency department can be applied. SVT is not life-threatening but if left untreated, can lead to anxiety development, loss of productivity, and a decrease in life quality.
What is Postural Tachycardia?
Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is characterized by an excessive rise in heart rate upon standing up. This condition is more common in young women and is usually a chronic issue.
Symptoms of postural tachycardia include:
- Palpitations after standing up,
- Dizziness, a feeling of light-headedness,
- Fatigue, blurred vision,
- Shortness of breath or tendency to faint.
Diagnosis involves EKG monitoring with position changes. Treatment may require lifestyle changes (increased salt intake, ample fluid consumption) and, in some cases, medication support.
In patients with POTS, communication between the nervous system and blood vessels is impaired. This results in a drop in blood pressure and insufficient blood flow to the brain. Prolonged standing, hot environments, and inadequate fluid intake can worsen symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended for patients to drink plenty of water, wear compression stockings, and change positions slowly. Additionally, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and stress management is crucial. Light exercises and stretching movements can aid in controlling the condition.
How Does Tachycardia Resolve?
The question of how tachycardia resolves can have different answers depending on the type and severity of the condition.
In general:
- Stress management,
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake,
- Getting enough sleep,
- Not smoking,
- Regular exercise are beneficial lifestyle changes.
From a medical standpoint:
- Medication therapy (beta-blockers) for mild cases,
- Vagal maneuvers for SVT,
- Electrophysiological ablation for more serious cases,
- ICD application for ventricular tachycardia is recommended.
Monitoring heart rhythm with EKG is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Additionally, underlying factors that may cause tachycardia need to be evaluated. Thyroid diseases, anemia, electrolyte imbalances, or medication side effects can cause tachycardia. Therefore, detailed blood tests and clinical history are an essential part of the treatment process. If necessary, a Holter device can be used to monitor the heart rhythm for 24 hours.
When is Tachycardia Dangerous?
Not all palpitations are tachycardia, and not all tachycardia is dangerous. However, if the following conditions are present, urgent medical intervention may be necessary:
- Loss of consciousness or fainting,
- Shortness of breath and chest pain,
- Family history of sudden cardiac death,
- Persistent recurring palpitations,
- Diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia.
These symptoms may indicate that tachycardia could lead to persistent cardiac rhythm disturbances or sudden cardiac arrest.
If not addressed in emergencies, the heart rhythm may completely deteriorate. Therefore, when symptoms start, 112 should be called, and the patient should be taken to the nearest emergency department. Even mild forms of tachycardia can progress if neglected over time. Therefore, regular cardiology follow-up, healthy living habits, and early intervention are very important.