General Information on Tachycardia
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a condition where the heart beats excessively fast (an accelerated rhythm) due to abnormalities in the heart's electrical system or as a physiological response to stress or underlying illness.
Beyond normal physiological triggers like running or fright; severe anemia, an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), high fever, systemic infections, dehydration, and direct electrical rhythm disorders within the heart (Arrhythmias) can cause tachycardia.
Symptoms include a sensation of the heart pounding or racing in the chest (palpitations), shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, momentary visual blackouts (presyncope), and rarely, fainting (syncope).
An ECG (Electrocardiogram) performed during a Cardiology examination records the heart's current speed and rhythm. If symptoms are intermittent throughout the day, the patient is fitted with a 24-Hour Holter Monitor to continuously record cardiac activity.
If the acceleration is secondary to conditions like anemia or thyroid dysfunction, the heart rate normalizes once the underlying disease is treated. For tachycardias originating from the heart's own electrical system, medications that brake the heart rate (such as Beta Blockers) are prescribed, or the faulty electrical pathway is ablated (destroyed) via a catheter inserted through the groin using an EPS (Electrophysiology Study/Ablation) procedure.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
