Tachycardia: Understanding Why your Heart Beats too Fast?

• Written by Yash

  Reviewed by Ritika Malik

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Tachycardia is a medical situation where the heart beats faster than usual, typically more than 100 beats per minute while at rest. While an occasional rapid heartbeat can be a normal response to physical activity, stress, or excitement, persistent tachycardia may signal an underlying health issue. It can put extra strain on the heart, reduce its efficiency, and, if left untreated, may lead to serious complications. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is necessary for maintaining a healthy heart and preventing potential risks.

What is Tachycardia?

Tachycardia is a condition where your heart beats faster than usual, typically more than 100 beats per minute at rest.

• A fast heartbeat can happen temporarily due to exercise, stress, caffeine, or excitement (which is normal).
• But if the heart beats abnormally fast without an apparent reason, it may indicate a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia).
• It can cause symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
• In some cases, untreated tachycardia can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, or other heart complications.

Symptoms of Tachycardia

The symptoms of tachycardia (fast heartbeat) can vary depending on its type and severity. Some people may not feel any symptoms, while others may experience noticeable signs such as:

• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations) – feels like your heart is racing or pounding
• Shortness of breath – difficulty in breathing or feeling breathless
• Chest pain or discomfort – tightness or pressure in the chest
• Dizziness or lightheadedness – feeling faint or unsteady
• Fatigue or weakness – unusual tiredness even without doing something
• Fainting (syncope) – sudden loss of consciousness in many cases
• Anxiety – feeling nervous or restless due to an irregular heartbeat

In some cases, tachycardia may not cause noticeable symptoms and can only be detected during a medical examination. However, persistent or severe symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency.

Causes of Tachycardia

Tachycardia occurs when an abnormality disrupts the standard electrical signals that regulate your heart rate. Common causes include.

Heart-related conditions

• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Congenital heart defects
• Previous heart attack

Life and external triggers

• Excessive stress or anxiety
• Intense exercise
• Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
• Smoking

Medical conditions

• Overactive thyroid
• Anaemia
• Fever or infections
• electrolyte imbalance
• Certain lung diseases

Medications

• Some asthma medicines
• Decongestants
• Recreational drugs

How is it Diagnosed?

To diagnose tachycardia, doctors focus on finding the type, underlying cause, and possible risks. The process usually includes:

• Medical History & Physical Exam - A Healthcare professional will review symptoms, lifestyle habits, and medical history, and perform a physical assessment.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - The most common test that records the heart’s electrical activity.
• Holter Monitor - A portable ECG device worn for 24–48 hours to track heart activity during daily activities.
• Event Monitor - Similar to a Holter monitor, but used for longer periods. It records heart rhythms when triggered during symptoms.
• Echocardiogram - An ultrasound of the heart to check for structural problems, heart muscle function, or valve issues.
• Blood Tests - Used to detect conditions such as thyroid disorders, electrolyte imbalances, or anaemia that may cause tachycardia.
• Electrophysiological Testing (EP Study) - A specialised test where catheters are inserted into the heart to study electrical pathways and locate abnormal rhythms.
• Stress Test - Evaluates how the heart responds to exercise and checks for tachycardia triggered by physical activity.

>> Also Read: List of 16 Ailments Covered in Care Heart Mediclaim

Treatment Options for Tachycardia

The goal of tachycardia treatment is to slow down the heart rate, prevent future episodes, and reduce the risk of complications. The right approach depends on the cause, severity, and type of tachycardia. Here are the treatment options:

Lifestyle and Self-Care Measures

• Managing stress through yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises
• Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine intake
• Maintaining a healthy weight and diet
• Staying physically active with heart-healthy exercises (as advised by a doctor)

Medications

• Anti-arrhythmic drugs to restore the normal heart rhythm
• Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to control heart rate
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants) to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke

Medical Procedures

• Cardioversion: A quick electrical shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm
• Catheter Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure where heat or cold energy destroys abnormal heart tissue, causing irregular signals
• Pacemaker: A device implanted under the skin to regulate slow or irregular heartbeats
• Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): A device that detects dangerous rhythms and delivers shocks to normalise the heartbeat

Surgery (in rare cases)

• Maze procedure: Surgical creation of scar tissue in the heart to block abnormal signals
• Valve or coronary artery surgery if underlying structural issues are the cause.

If left untreated, tachycardia can sometimes lead to severe conditions like stroke or heart failure, which may require expensive hospitalisation. Having a comprehensive health insurance plan can help you cover unexpected medical costs without financial stress.

Final Thoughts

Tachycardia may seem alarming, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is the first step toward managing it effectively. With timely medical attention, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups, most people can keep their heart rhythm under control and live a healthy, active life. Remember, if you ever experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat, don’t ignore it; consult a healthcare professional to ensure your heart stays strong and steady.

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