Tachycardia, or heart palpitations, is a heart rhythm disorder in which the heart beats faster than normal. The heart rate can vary depending on the person's age, physical condition and activity level, but in the case of heart palpitations, the heart rate is markedly elevated. Usually more than 100 beats per minute is considered heart palpitations. This can lead to serious health problems, especially heart failure, stroke or heart attack. Treatment may differ depending on the underlying causes, severity and type of condition.
The heart rate of a healthy adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. However, with tachycardia, the heart usually beats more than 100 times per minute. This condition can be caused by abnormalities in the heart's electrical system, metabolic conditions, hormonal changes or other health problems.
What are the Types of Tachycardia?
There are many different types of tachycardia and they can occur due to different causes that affect the heart rate. The types of tachycardia can be listed as follows:
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): This is a rapid heartbeat that originates in areas at the top of the heart chambers, such as the atria or atrioventricular (AV) node. This type of tachycardia includes subtypes such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
Ventricular Tachycardia: Abnormally fast heartbeats that originate in the heart ventricles. Ventricular tachycardia can be a serious condition and needs attention as it can lead to sudden cardiac arrest (ventricular fibrillation).
Atrial Fibrillation: A type of tachycardia in which the atria pulsate irregularly and rapidly. The heart rhythm is disturbed and the risk of blood clots increases.
Atrial Flutter: A type of tachycardia in which the atria vibrate more regularly but quickly. Unlike atrial fibrillation, it has a more regular heart rhythm.
Ventricular Fibrillation: A severe type of tachycardia in which the electrical activity of the heart is completely disrupted and irregular ventricular contractions occur. This condition requires rapid medical intervention because it is life-threatening.
What Causes Tachycardia?
Tachycardia refers to a condition in which the heart rate is faster than normal and can occur due to various factors. Among the possible causes of tachycardia are the following:
- Smoking,
- Heavy physical activity,
- Stress and anxiety,
- Heart diseases
- Genetic predisposition,
- Thyroid problems,
- Excessive alcohol consumption,
- Electrolyte imbalance,
- Side effects of certain medications and substance abuse.
What are the symptoms of tachycardia?
Symptoms of tachycardia may differ from person to person and may vary depending on the type. Some symptoms of tachycardia, which can occur with various symptoms, are as follows:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat,
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy or fainting,
- Sudden pain or discomfort in the chest,
- Fatigue and tiredness more quickly than usual,
- Eye darkening
- Jaw and neck pain.
Diagnosis of tachycardia
Thediagnosis of tachycardia is based on physical examination by a specialist, evaluation of symptoms and the patient's medical history, as well as a number of tests. The steps followed in the diagnosis of tachycardia are as follows:
Symptom Evaluation: It is important for a patient with suspected heart palpitations to describe the symptoms in detail.
Physical Examination: The specialist performs a physical examination to assess the patient's general health.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Test: An ECG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. The heart rhythm is evaluated by connecting electrodes to the skin surface. ECG results show the heart rate and rhythm.
Holter Monitoring: During this test, the patient carries the portable ECG device for several days. This allows the specialist to examine heart rhythm changes that occur during daily activities.
Stress Test: The patient's heart rate and rhythm are assessed during physical activity. This test can help show whether tachycardia symptoms are triggered by exercise. It is also used to assess heart health and endurance.
Electrophysiologic Examination: Used to determine the source of heart rhythm disturbances. A thin tube is guided into the heart and electrical activity is examined.
Other Imaging Tests: If necessary, imaging tests such as echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) may also be used. These tests can help assess heart structure and function in more detail.
How is tachycardia treated?
Treatment for tachycardia can vary depending on the patient's condition, the type of condition and the underlying causes. In general, treatment of this condition may include methods such as the following:
Treating the Underlying Cause: Underlying health problems that cause heart palpitations should be treated. For example, conditions such as thyroid problems, anemia, electrolyte imbalances should be corrected.
Medication Therapy: The specialist may recommend medications such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs to regulate the heart rate.
Electrophysiologic Examination and Ablation: In some cases, a procedure called electrophysiologic examination and ablation may be performed. In this procedure, energy is applied that corrects the irregular heart rhythm by targeting abnormal electrical conduction points.
Electroconversion: In severe cases, electroconversion may be attempted to restore normal rhythm by using electrical energy to correct the irregular heart rhythm.
Pacemaker Implantation: In some cases, irregular heart rhythm can be corrected with pacemaker implantation.
Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of tachycardia. It is important to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, avoid stress and go for regular medical check-ups.