Tachycardia is a term that refers to heart palpitations of any origin. Typically, a heart rate in excess of 100 beats per minute is considered tachycardia. The rhythm remains correct (a constant duration of the intervals between heart contractions). The condition when an attack of tachycardia begins suddenly and also ends unexpectedly is called paroxysmal tachycardia.
Tachycardia - causes
There are quite a few reasons for provoking tachycardia. These include:
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system. Very often, tachycardia is a consequence of diseases such as hypertension, heart defects, ischemia, heart attacks.
- Caffeine. Excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages is more likely to lead to tachycardia. This is explained by the effect that coffee has on the work of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.
- Thyroid disease. Any violations of the endocrine system, especially the thyroid gland, very often provoke a fairly strong tachycardia.
- Infectious diseases. A variety of infectious diseases, in particular, causing an increase in body temperature, are also the cause of the development of tachycardia. This is due to a general disturbance in the functioning of the cardiovascular and other body systems that arose as a result of the disease.
- Pregnancy. Processes in the body of the expectant mother can often also lead to tachycardia. The danger of this condition for the mother and the unborn baby should be assessed by the attending gynecologist.
Tachycardia can occur due to the natural, normal reaction of the body to emotional and physical stress, smoking, fever and alcohol consumption.
Tachycardia - Symptoms
Symptoms of tachycardia - dizziness, palpitations, general weakness, a feeling of loss of consciousness, a feeling of lack of air.
Tachycardia - diagnosis
The doctor diagnoses tachycardia based on symptoms, a physical examination of the patient, a series of tests and examinations. General tests consist of the following studies:
- Electrocardiography (ECG). It is the main method for the diagnosis of tachycardia. The ECG determines the type of tachycardia and reveals how cardiac abnormalities affect the increase in heart rate.
- Holter monitor. This study is a continuous recording of an electrocardiogram (24 hours or more), which helps the doctor get a complete symptomatic picture of the disease.
- Electrophysiological study. With its help, the source causing the problems in the conducting cardiac system is determined.
Depending on the symptomatology, the cardiologist may prescribe other additional tests to diagnose the underlying disease that contributes to tachycardia.
Tachycardia - treatment and prevention
Treatment of tachycardia is aimed at preventing future tachycardia attacks, reducing the heart rate and minimizing complications. In some cases, treatment is not required - just relax, calm down, change your lifestyle. If a patient requires medical treatment, then only a doctor can prescribe drugs, having conducted an appropriate examination. It is worth remembering that tachycardia that occurs for no apparent reason should be an occasion for immediate medical attention.
Prevention of tachycardia is reduced to constant and careful monitoring of the state of health, and for heart diseases, timely consultations with a cardiologist are mandatory. It will help prevent tachycardia attacks by observing the work regime, proper rest, stopping smoking, and avoiding stressful situations and unrest. If possible, it is worth giving up alcohol, fatty and spicy foods.
