Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a medical disorder that is defined by a resting heart rate in adults that exceeds 100 beats per minute. It happens when the heart's electrical system sends out faulty signals that make the heart beat quicker than it should. Tachycardia can occur in the top chambers (atria) or lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart, and there are several kinds, including supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and sinus tachycardia.

Symptoms can include palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, exhaustion, and fainting in extreme situations. Some people have no symptoms and find out during a routine check-up. Causes may include stress, fever, anaemia, dehydration, heart illness, thyroid problems, excessive caffeine, smoking, or some drugs.

The diagnosis is usually made using an electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, blood tests, and imaging procedures to find the underlying reason. Treatment varies by kind and severity and may include lifestyle changes, medicines, vagal manoeuvres, catheter ablation, or implanted devices such as pacemakers. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are critical to avoiding consequences such as stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest, especially in the more serious forms of tachycardia.