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Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate)

A rhythm disorder defined by a heart rate above 100 beats per minute.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate)?

Tachycardia is a heart rate above 100 beats per minute. Physiologic tachycardia occurs in situations such as exercise, excitement, fever, or anemia and is a normal response.

Pathologic tachycardias result from abnormal signal generation within the heart and include supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia.

Ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening rhythm; it may degenerate into ventricular fibrillation and cause sudden cardiac death. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Symptoms

A rapid and irregular sense of palpitations
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or tightness
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Weakness and sweating
Feelings of anxiety or panic

Risk Factors

Coronary artery disease and heart failure
Electrolyte disturbances
Thyroid disease and anemia
Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or stimulants
QT-prolonging medications
Inherited channelopathies
Anxiety disorders

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Call emergency services if palpitations are accompanied by fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Go to the emergency department if chest pain and shortness of breath develop with palpitations
  • For Holter monitoring when episodes of tachycardia recur
  • New-onset tachycardia in someone with known heart disease
  • Medication review when drug-induced tachycardia is suspected

Treatment Methods

01
Vagal maneuvers (cold water, Valsalva) for SVT
02
Intravenous adenosine (to terminate SVT acutely)
03
Antiarrhythmic drug therapy (tailored to rhythm type)
04
Electrical cardioversion (for hemodynamic instability or drug-refractory VT)
05
Catheter ablation (a lasting solution in SVT and some forms of VT)
06
ICD implantation (in the setting of life-threatening VT or VF)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

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Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain above 140/90 mmHg; early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

Coronary Artery Disease

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Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack.

Heart Failure

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Heart failure is a chronic cardiac condition characterized by shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

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A heart attack is a medical emergency; because heart muscle is lost by the minute, immediate intervention saves lives.

Atrial Fibrillation

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Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat and increased risk of stroke.

Heart Palpitations

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Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Heart Valve Diseases

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Valve stenosis or regurgitation increases the workload of the heart and, over time, can lead to heart failure.

Aortic Aneurysm

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Aortic aneurysms are often silent; early diagnosis allows treatment before rupture (a life-threatening tear).

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.