Tachycardia
Tachycardia is a common type of arrhythmia in which the heart beats faster than normal while at rest. There are many different types of abnormal tachycardia. Common types include:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial flutter
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
Many things can cause tachycardia, including:
- Damage to heart tissues from heart disease
- Abnormal electrical pathways in the heart present at birth
- Disease or congenital abnormality of the heart
- Anemia
- Exercise
- Sudden stress, such as fright
- High or low blood pressure
- Smoking
- Fever
- Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
- Medication side effects
- Abuse of recreational drugs, such as cocaine
- Imbalance of electrolytes
- Hyperthyroidism
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of tachycardia may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Rapid pulse rate
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Syncope
Diagnosis
To diagnose tachycardia, a Deborah physician may perform tests specific to arrhythmia, including:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Holter monitor
- Event monitor
- Echocardiogram
- Implantable loop recorder