Tachycardia

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Tachycardia Pronunciation: Ta-chy-car-dia (tak-i-kar-dee-ə)

Definition: Tachycardia is a medical condition characterized by a faster-than-normal heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults.

What is Tachycardia?

Overview:

Tachycardia refers to a rapid heart rate, defined as more than 100 beats per minute in adults. Tachycardia can be a symptom of several health conditions or a response to factors like anxiety, physical exertion, or certain medications.

Key Facts about Tachycardia:

Tachycardia may occur in the atria or ventricles, leading to different types of tachycardia such as atrial or ventricular tachycardia.

Some people with tachycardia may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, or fainting. However, others may have no symptoms.

Some forms of tachycardia may lead to complications like heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest if not treated.

Treatment of tachycardia aims to slow the fast heart rate, manage symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications.

Tachycardia in Medical Practice

Diagnosis and Treatment of Tachycardia

Tachycardia is often diagnosed through physical examination, patient history, and tests such as electrocardiogram (EKG). Treatment may involve medication, medical procedures, surgery, or the use of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

Frequently Asked Questions About Tachycardia

What are the symptoms of tachycardia?

Symptoms may include heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or fainting. However, some people may not experience any symptoms.

What causes tachycardia?

Causes of tachycardia can include heart diseases, high blood pressure, smoking, anxiety, heavy alcohol use, use of certain medications, and abuse of recreational drugs.

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