Information From Your Health Care Provider

HEARTBEAT, RAPID

(Tachycardia)

Basic information

description

A rapid heart rate (or heartbeat) is one that is faster than 100 beats a minute. A normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Tachycardia is the medical term for rapid heart rate. Most people have occasional rapid heart rates due to emotional conditions (e.g., stress), exercise, fever, or anxiety. It is abnormal when it occurs while a person is at rest or there is no logical cause. Older adults and men are more often affected.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Some people may have no symptoms.
Heart palpitations.
Lightheadedness or dizziness.
Feeling faint or fainting.
Anxiety.
Chest pain, being short of breath, or sweating.

causes

It is due to an interruption in the heart's electrical system, which normally keeps the heart rate regular. When the electrical system is interrupted, the heart rate can become too rapid and may not be able to supply all the blood and oxygen needed by the body. There are known risk factors for a rapid heart rate, but sometimes the cause is unknown. There are two main types - supraventricular tachycardia (upper heart) and ventricular tachycardia (lower heart). Sinus tachycardia is a fast heart rate in a normal functioning heart.

risk increases with

Older adults; males more than females.
Family history of heart disease.
Congenital (being born with) heart disorders.
Heart attack, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disease, heart failure, and others.
Thyroid disease, certain lung disorders, electrolyte imbalances, adrenal tumor, and alcohol or drug abuse.
Pain, exercising, being nervous, emotional changes (e.g., stress or anger), use of certain drugs (e.g., some allergy and asthma drugs), having a fever, smoking, or consuming too much caffeine.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

May not always be preventable. Avoid the risk factors where possible. Get treatment for treatable disorders.

expected outcomes

The outcome will depend on the type of tachycardia and the cause. In the majority of cases, the rapid heart rate can be controlled.

possible complications

Some tachycardias can lead to life-threatening heart problems.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Tests may be done to measure the heart's electrical activity. Other tests may be done to check for medical problems that could cause the rapid heart rate.
In milder cases, no treatment may be required. Other treatment steps depend on the cause or severity.
A few patients may require immediate treatment, including electrical shock (cardioversion) or IV drugs to stop the rapid heart rate.
Radiofrequency ablation (uses radio waves to destroy abnormal heart tissue) or heart surgery may be options.
In some cases, a small electrical device called implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be implanted under the skin. It can detect irregular heartbeats and shock the heart back into normal rhythm, when needed.
Your health care provider may recommend ways to reduce stress in your life or reduce other risk factors.
You may be taught techniques to slow the heart rate. This may include the Valsalva maneuver: hold your nostrils closed and blow gently through the nose, making the eardrums pop.
To learn more: American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231; (800) 242-8721; website: www.americanheart.org.

medications

For repeated attacks, one or more drugs to control heart rate may be prescribed.
Drugs may be prescribed for an underlying condition.

activity

Exercise regularly (with medical approval).

diet

Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Eat a healthy diet.

notify our office if

You or a family member has an episode of rapid, irregular heartbeat that does not end in 4 or 5 minutes.
Shortness of breath or chest pain develops.