Tachycardia(Ventricular Tachycardia; Supraventricular Tachycardia; Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia)Pronounced: Tay-KEE-car-de-ya
by
Krisha McCoy, MS DefinitionTachycardia is a rapid heart rate. It has a rate of more than 100 beats per minute. It is normal for your heart rate to increase in response to exercise or stress. However, there are several types of abnormal tachycardias. This type is known as arrhythmias. This arrhythmia can start in two different areas of the heart:
This condition can be life threatening. It can be treated. If you think you or someone you know has this condition, call for emergency medical services right away.
CausesElectrical impulses control the action of the heart. These impulses start from a node in the heart or other areas of the heart tissue. Tachycardia is caused by abnormal impulses. Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chances of tachycardia:
SymptomsTachycardia may cause:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following: MedicineMedicine to treat tachycardia include:
AblationAblation is the destruction of tissue. It is done to the area that is causing the abnormal rhythm. The tissue may be destroyed with radiofrequency or cold. This may stop the problem. CardioversionAn electric shock is applied to the heart. It may reset the rhythm of the heart. This treatment may be done for:
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)An ICD is a device that constantly checks your heart activity. If you have an irregular rhythm, it will shock your heart back to a normal one. The device is placed under your skin during a surgery.
PreventionTo help reduce your chances of tachycardia:
Treat any underlying medical problems. This is very important with heart related issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. RESOURCES:American Heart Association http://www.heart.org/ Heart Rhythm Society http://www.hrsonline.org/ CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Heart Rhythm Society http://www.chrsonline.ca Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.ca References:Arrhythmias. American Heart Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed November 29, 2017.
Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
.
Updated February 22, 2017. Accessed September 27, 2016.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
.
Updated October 18, 2017. Accessed September 27, 2016.
Risk factors & prevention. Heart Rhythm Society website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed November 29, 2017.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
.
Updated December 21, 2015. Accessed November 29, 2017.
Ventricular tachycardia. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
.
Updated January 26, 2016. Accessed November 29, 2017.
Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC Last Updated: 7/13/2018 |
||
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |