Tachycardia(心跳過速) is a medical term for a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate – typically defined as a heart rate over 100 beats per minute in adults. Heart rate can be physiologically elevated for various reasons, including exercise, anxiety, fever, or medical conditions. However, when we refer to tachycardia in a clinical sense, we are often concerned with rates that are inappropriately high considering the circumstances. Of particular concern are tachycardias originating in the ventricles, specifically ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (Vfib) that can disrupt the heart’s pumping ability and are medical emergencies requiring prompt attention.
The heart has an electrical system that controls the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. Tachycardia occurs when this electrical system is compromised, leading to a rapid firing of electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat faster. These impulses can originate from the atria (upper chambers of the heart) or the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart), leading to different types of tachycardia.
There are several types of tachycardia, each with its characteristics and potential causes:
Stable tachycardia is a fast heart rate that, while elevated, does not immediately endanger a person's life or lead to hemodynamic instability. Patients with stable tachycardia may still experience symptoms, but they do not suffer from severe blood pressure drops or significant heart function impairment.
Tachycardia can have multiple triggers, ranging from physiological responses to exercise,stress or hyperthermia to medical conditions like heart disease, thyroid and adrenal conditions or electrolyte imbalances. Understanding what causes tachycardia is fundamental to addressing the underlying issues, effective treatment and control and preventing recurrence.
A pulmonary embolism, a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, can lead to tachycardia as the heart struggles to pump venous blood to the lungs against increased resistance. This strain can cause the heart to beat faster in an attempt to maintain adequate cardiac output and peripheral oxygenation.
The danger of tachycardia lies in its potential to compromise heart function, effective circulating volume and cause blood clots . If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including heart failure, thromboembolic events such as stroke or myocardial infarction, or sudden cardiac death. Understanding how dangerous tachycardia is underlines the need for prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
Treatment for tachycardia is always cause-directed. Hence, it involves more thorough medical history and evaluation with subsequent adjunctive use of ECG, echocardiogram and laboratory examinations as indicated. Options range from simple deep breathing, oral hydration/fluid and electrolyte replacement, carotid massage, medication to control heart rate to more invasive procedures like catheter ablation or the implantation of a pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator devices. Learning how to treat tachycardia effectively involves a tailored approach by healthcare professionals.
Unstable tachycardia may present with signs such as chest pain, palpitations, severe shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, fainting spells or significant lightheadedness. These symptoms indicate a critical situation where immediate medical intervention is necessary.
Long-term management of tachycardia may include lifestyle modifications, such as reducing caffeine intake and managing stress, alongside medical therapies. Here are some key strategies for managing tachycardia:
>Medical Treatment
>Lifestyle Adjustments
>Monitoring and Regular Check-Ups
>Emergency Preparedness
Understanding tachycardia and its implications is fundamental for managing the condition effectively. With the proper care and treatment plan, most people with tachycardia can lead a normal and active everyday life. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of tachycardia or have concerns about your heart health, we encourage you to book an appointment with our experienced team at OT&P Healthcare. We’re here to support you in every step of your healthcare journey.