Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate)
Description
A normal adult heart beats between 60 and 100 times a minute. A heart rate over 100 beats a minute is called tachycardia. Tachycardia can be the result of a normal physiologic response such as running. When it occurs at rest it is usually considered abnormal. There are many causes but can be divided into primary and secondary. Primary causes are from problems in the heart such as abnormally beating cells. Secondary causes are from a reaction to a stress on the body such as dehydration or infection.
Symptoms
Chest pain, fainting, light-headedness, dizziness, paleness, shortness of breath, palpitations, sweating.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests are done to identify the cause of the rapid heart rate.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- X-Ray
- EKG
Treatment
Therapy depends on the cause of the tachycardia. Secondary tachycardias are resolved by treating the disorder causing the stress on the body. Treatment for primary tachycarias depends on where in the heart the abnormal beating cells are located. Tachycardias arising from the atrium (supraventricular tachycardia) are treated with medications and/or a catheter ablation of the cells causing the problem. Ventricular tachycardias are emergencies and are treated with medications, electrical shocks, or placement of an internal defibrillator.
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