Tachycardia

Definition

Tachycardia is called fast heart rate. It is defined as heart rate persistently above 100 beats per minute in adults. In the paediatric population, it is usually heart rate exceeding 160 b/m depending on child’s age and their normal baseline.

Causes: Tachycardia can result from any of the following:

• Stress or anxiety
• Fever
• Anemia
• Hyperthyroidism
• Arrythmias  (e.g., atrial fibrillation, )
• Certain medications or stimulants (e.g., caffeine)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tachycardia may be established with the following :

• ECG to determine heart rhythm and rate.
• Holter monitor for continuous heart rate monitoring over 24 hours.
• Blood tests and echocardiograms may be performed to find underlying causes.

Symptoms

• Fainting (syncope)
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Fluttering in the chest
• Bounding pulse
• Chest pressure, tightness or pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• In extreme cases
• Unconsciousness
• Cardiac arrest

Causes: Tachycardia can occur due to any of the following factors

• Anaemia
• Increased thyroid activity
• Heart muscle damage from heart attack or heart failure.
• Lack of coronary artery blood flow, depriving oxygen to heart tissue
• Cardiomyopathy distorting the heart’s structure
• Severe bleeding
• Anxiety
• Fright
• Severe emotional distress
• Strenuous exercise
• Fever
• Some medicinal and street drugs

Management

Treatments for ventricular tachycardia may include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Reducing stress, avoiding stimulants.
• Medications: Beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs.
• Procedures: Catheter ablation for certain types of tachycardia or implantation of a pacemaker /CRTD device in dangerously persistent cases.