Tachycardia (fast heart rate)

Description A normal adult hear...

Description

A normal adult heart beats between 60 and 100 times a minute. A heart rate over 100 beats a minute is called tachycardia. Tachycardia can be the result of a normal physiologic response such as running. When it occurs at rest it is usually considered abnormal. There are many causes but can be divided into primary and secondary. Primary causes are from problems in the heart such as abnormally beating cells. Secondary causes are from a reaction to a stress on the body such as dehydration or infection.

Symptoms

Palpitations, light-headedness, shortness of breath, sweating. Often there are no symptoms.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests are done to identify the cause of a persistent or recurrent rapid heart rate.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), X-ray

Other Specific Tests: Holter monitor (used for 24 hours), event monitor, or loop recorder (worn for 2 weeks or longer), coronary angiography, echocardiogram, electrophysiology study (EPS)

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Pediatrics, Family Practice

Treatment

Therapy depends on the cause of the tachycardia. Secondary tachycardias are resolved by treating the disorder causing the stress on the body. Treatment for primary tachycardias depends on where in the heart the abnormal beating cells are located. Tachycardias arising from the atrium (supraventricular tachycardia) are treated with medications and/or a catheter ablation of the cells causing the problem. Ventricular tachycardias are emergencies and are treated with medications, electrical shocks, or placement of an internal defibrillator.