Tachycardia is a medical term used to describe an abnormally fast heart rate. At rest, the human heart normally beats between 60 and 100 times per minute. When the rate exceeds this limit—especially above 100 beats per minute—it is considered tachycardia. While many people associate this condition only with serious heart problems, the reality is that it does not always indicate disease. In some cases, it may simply be a normal response of the body to specific situations such as physical exercise, stress, or stimulant consumption.
In this article, we will explore the main symptoms, causes, types, and treatments for tachycardia, while also debunking common myths and highlighting recent scientific advances.
Symptoms of Tachycardia
The signs of tachycardia vary from person to person. In some cases, it is silent and only identified during routine medical exams. In others, symptoms can be obvious and uncomfortable. The most common include:
Palpitations: feeling that the heart is pounding, racing, or beating irregularly
Dizziness or lightheadedness: due to the heart’s difficulty pumping blood efficiently
Shortness of breath: especially during mild physical exertion
Chest pain or discomfort
Fainting or near-fainting (syncope)
Anxiety and restlessness
It’s important to emphasize that not every palpitation means pathological tachycardia. For example, after climbing stairs quickly or during a stressful moment, it’s normal for the heartbeat to increase. The problem arises when this acceleration is persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by intense symptoms.
Causes of Tachycardia
Tachycardia can be triggered by different factors, ranging from temporary situations to serious heart diseases. The main causes include:
Stress and anxiety
Intense physical activity
Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine consumption
Use of stimulant drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines
Fever or infections
Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism)
Electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium or magnesium
Structural heart diseases, including heart failure or ischemic heart disease
Arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia
Types of Tachycardia
Tachycardia is not a single condition but rather a group of rhythm disturbances that affect the heart rate. The main types include:
Sinus tachycardia: usually a normal response of the body, as after exercise, fever, or stress
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): originates above the ventricles, often due to abnormal electrical circuits in the heart
Atrial fibrillation: the atria beat rapidly and irregularly, increasing the risk of blood clots and stroke
Atrial flutter: similar to atrial fibrillation, but with a more organized rapid rhythm pattern
Ventricular tachycardia: originates in the ventricles and can be life-threatening, potentially leading to cardiac arrest if not treated quickly
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of tachycardia usually begins with a detailed medical history and physical exam. The doctor may request tests such as:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): records the electrical activity of the heart
24-hour Holter monitor: continuously tracks the heart over an entire day
Echocardiogram: evaluates heart structure and function
Laboratory tests: check thyroid hormone levels and electrolyte balance
Treatment of Tachycardia
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the type of tachycardia. Options may include:
Lifestyle changes: reducing caffeine, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and managing stress
Medications: such as beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, and anticoagulants (when there is a risk of blood clots)
Electrical cardioversion: a controlled shock to restore normal heart rhythm
Catheter ablation: procedure that destroys areas of the heart responsible for abnormal rhythms
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD): for severe cases of ventricular tachycardia or risk of sudden cardiac death
Possible Complications
If not properly treated, tachycardia can lead to serious complications, including:
Blood clot formation, increasing the risk of stroke
Heart failure, due to excessive strain on the heart
Sudden cardiac arrest, especially in sustained ventricular tachycardia
Myths, Curiosities, and Scientific Advances
❌ Myth: All tachycardia is dangerous.
Not always! Often, it’s simply a natural response of the body.❌ Myth: Tachycardia always causes symptoms.
Some people live for years with silent tachycardia, detected only through exams.🧪 Scientific advance: Catheter ablation has become increasingly effective and safe, allowing for definitive treatment of many types of tachycardia.
💡 Curiosity: In moments of strong emotion—such as fear or falling in love—tachycardia is a reflex of the autonomic nervous system preparing the body to react.
Conclusion
Tachycardia can range from a simple temporary increase in heart rate to serious conditions requiring immediate treatment. Early recognition of symptoms and medical evaluation are essential to identify the cause and prevent complications.
Thanks to advances in medicine, there are now several effective methods to control—and even cure—certain types of tachycardia, ensuring patients a safe and good quality of life.
