Tachycardia is a health condition where the heartbeat is faster than usual, above 100 beats per minute. In most circumstances, a fast heart rate isn’t the problem, but multiple types of irregular heart rhythms could be an indicator of an underlying medical problem. Usually, tachycardia may not show many symptoms, but if left untreated, some forms of the condition can lead to complications such as stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of tachycardia
Some people with tachycardia may not experience any symptoms, while others may notice symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Some symptoms include fainting, lightheadedness, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Types of tachycardia
There are various types of tachycardia. These types are grouped based on the affected area and the cause. The most common types of tachycardia caused by irregular heart rhythms are listed below.

Atrial fibrillation
Also known as A-fib, this is the most common type of tachycardia. Irregular electric signals, often in the upper chambers of the heart (atria), cause a fast heartbeat. The effect of atrial fibrillation may be temporary, but some episodes may not end until the patient receives treatment.

Atrial flutter
Similar to A-fib, atrial flutter may bring about more organized heartbeats. Most episodes of atrial flutter may go away by themselves, but some may require treatment. Moreover, people with atrial flutter also risk developing atrial fibrillation at other times.

Ventricular tachycardia
A type of arrhythmia, the condition begins in the heart’s lower chambers – the ventricles. The rapid increase in the heartbeat does not let the ventricles fill and contract to pump enough blood for the body. Furthermore, the episodes of ventricular tachycardia are usually brief and may not last more than a few seconds. However, episodes lasting more than a few seconds can be fatal. Therefore, patients are advised to seek medical advice at the earliest in such cases.

Ventricular fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation, a malfunction of the heart’s typical pumping sequence, is the most common and deadly irregular heart rhythm. When ventricular fibrillation episodes happen, the heart’s lower chambers tremble instead of expanding and contracting entirely. As a result, the heart cannot pump enough blood. Furthermore, it can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, the country’s number one cause of natural death.

Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT)
Also known as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, an episode of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia happens when the heart’s upper chambers develop a short-circuit rhythm. It may result in a regular but rapid heartbeat that can start and stop suddenly. During an episode of PAT, an adult’s heart rate can range from 130-230 beats per minute. In the case of an infant or child, the heart rate will be more than 220 beats per minute.

Treatment of tachycardia
Tachycardia treatment aims to slow the rapid heartbeat during an episode and prevent or reduce the episodes. Treating the underlying condition may prevent further episodes in cases where other medical conditions cause tachycardia. Furthermore, the treatment of the condition depends on various factors, including the person’s age, the cause, overall health, and heart function and structure. Furthermore, the goal of the treatment may lead to different treatment methods. 

Slowing down a fast heart rate

Vagal maneuvers
The vagus nerve in the body helps regulate the heartbeat. Health experts may suggest techniques or maneuvers that can affect the nerve and slow the heart rate. Some maneuvers include coughing, blowing on the thumb, applying abdominal pressure, and applying cold water to the patient’s face. These specific actions must be performed during an episode to notice a gradual improvement.

Cardioversion
This treatment option involves a procedure that sends low-energy electric shocks to the heart through sensors. The shock affects the heart’s electrical signals and restores the regular heartbeat. Cardioversion is mainly performed during an emergency when vagal maneuvers and other treatment options have proved ineffective.

Prevention of future episodes

Catheter ablation
During this procedure, the doctor may thread one or more catheters together through an artery (mainly in the groin area) and guide them toward the heart. The sensors on the tip of the catheter employ heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart tissue. It may block irregular electric signals and restore a normal heartbeat.

Pacemaker
A pacemaker is a tiny device surgically implanted under the skin of the chest. When the pacemaker detects an abnormal heart rhythm, it automatically sends an electric impulse which brings the heart back to its correct rhythm.

Surgery
In rare cases, open heart surgery is required to destroy an electrical pathway that may be the cause of tachycardia. This surgery is suggested to patients when other treatment methods fail to yield results.

Exercises
Some exercises such as brisk walking, running, playing tennis, and cycling are also suggested by health experts to boost heart health and aid in treating tachycardia. Furthermore, patients are advised to continue the treatment for tachycardia and contact a healthcare professional if they observe any new symptoms.