How is tachycardia causes

The electrical impulses continue to the atrioventricular AV node, which is a cluster of cells. The AV node slows down the electrical signals, then sends them on to the ventricles. In doing so, it allows time for the ventricles to fill with blood. When the ventricular muscles receive the electrical signals, they contract, pumping blood either to the lungs or to the rest of the body. A problem with the electrical signals can result in a faster-than-normal heartbeat.

This is tachycardia. Depending on the type and cause of tachycardia, the following factors may trigger it:. Heart block affects heart rhythms and slows the heartbeat. Learn more about it here. If there is no clear underlying cause, it may take some time to find a suitable treatment option. There are several ways to slow a rapid heartbeat during an episode. The following sections will look at these in more detail. Some techniques, or maneuvers , can affect this nerve and help slow the heartbeat.

Such techniques include:. A healthcare professional may also apply gentle pressure to the eyeballs while the person has their eyes closed.

A doctor can administer antiarrhythmic drugs either orally or intravenously. These drugs aim to restore a normal heart rhythm and control the heart rate. Some examples of antiarrhythmic drugs include amiodarone Cordarone , sotalol Betapace , and mexiletine Mexitil. This affects the electrical impulses in the heart and may restore a normal rhythm. Some measures can help prevent and manage tachycardia.

The following sections will discuss these measures in more detail. Medications that can help people manage tachycardia include:. An electrophysiologist can insert catheters into the heart through the blood vessels. Electrodes at the ends of the catheter can ablate, or damage, small sections of the heart that are responsible for the abnormal heartbeat. Sometimes, a doctor will recommend surgery to make repairs or changes that can help reduce the risk of tachycardia. They will only do this if other therapies have not worked or if the person has another heart condition.

Depending on the type and cause of tachycardia, the following symptoms may occur:. However, many people have no symptoms and only find out that they have tachycardia during a routine examination. The following sections will outline some common types of tachycardia. In this type, the heart beats faster than usual, but the rhythm is regular, and the impulse comes from the sinoatrial node. Learn more about sinus tachycardia here. Atrial or supraventricular tachycardia is an accelerated heart rhythm that starts in the upper chambers of the heart.

It is the most common heart rhythm problem in children and young people. Many people first experience it between the ages of 25 and 40 years. An episode may last from a few minutes to several hours. Your email: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. Send to: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. On this page What is tachycardia fast heart rate? What are the types of tachycardia fast heart rate?

What causes tachycardia fast heart rate? What are the symptoms of tachycardia fast heart rate? Consequences of tachycardia How is tachycardia diagnosed? How is tachycardia fast heart rate treated? How is tachycardia fast heart rate prevented? Where to get help Related information on Australian websites Tachycardia means that your heart is beating much faster than normal, usually more than beats per minute. What is tachycardia fast heart rate? There are 3 types of tachycardia.

Supraventricular above the ventricle — where problems with the electrical signals in the upper chambers atria of the heart cause the heart to beat faster.

This reduces blood flow to the rest of your body because your heart can't pump blood as effectively. Two common types of supraventricular tachycardia are atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. Ventricular — where problems with the electrical signals in the lower chambers ventricles of the heart cause the heart to beat faster. This affects its ability to pump blood to the rest of your body.

Sinus tachycardia — where the natural pacemaker in your heart sends electrical signals faster than normal. This can be in response to a stressor described below, or it can be a sign of anaemia , problems with the thyroid gland or general ill health.

Causes of abnormal tachycardia include: anaemia some medicines thyroid gland problems heart attack other problems with the heart What are the symptoms of tachycardia fast heart rate? It is possible to have tachycardia and have no symptoms. People with symptoms most often feel: dizzy and light-headed palpitations , when you feel your heart pounding or beating irregularly short of breath chest pain In severe situations, people with tachycardia can have a heart attack or become unconscious.

Consequences of tachycardia Sinus tachycardia that has no underlying medical cause usually has no consequences — whatever has caused it eventually goes away, and the heart goes back to normal.

If not treated, other types of tachycardia can lead to: stroke heart failure cardiac arrest How is tachycardia diagnosed? If you notice your heart racing or beating irregularly, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will talk to you and examine you. Tests to diagnose tachycardia include: Electrocardiogram ECG — checks how effectively the electrical signals of your heart are working.

Exercise stress test — monitors how your heart responds to different levels of physical activity. Holter monitor — a monitor of the heart beat rhythm that is worn for 24 hours. Echocardiogram — an ultrasound that looks at the structure of the heart valves, walls and chambers.

The treatment for tachycardia depends on the type, but could include: changes to your lifestyle: reducing stress drinking less caffeine or alcohol quitting smoking getting more sleep medicines to slow the heart medicines to prevent the abnormal rhythm treatment of medical conditions leading to the abnormal rhythm e. Possible approaches include:. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers.

See our editorial policies and staff. About Arrhythmia. Why Arrhythmia Matters. Understand Your Risk for Arrhythmia. Symptoms, Diagnosis and Monitoring of Arrhythmia. Prevention and Treatment. Arrhythmia Tools and Resources. Recovery from a heart condition becomes so much more manageable when you have the right kind of emotional support.

A profile for atrial or SVT In general, those most likely to have atrial or supraventricular tachycardia are: Children SVT is the most common type of arrhythmia in kids Women, to a greater degree than men Anxious young people People who are physically fatigued People who drink large amounts of coffee or caffeinated substances People who drink alcohol heavily People who smoke heavily Atrial or SVT is less commonly associated with heart attack or serious mitral valve disease.

Symptoms and complications Some people with atrial or supraventricular tachycardia may have no discernible symptoms.

But if the episodes are prolonged, or recur often, your doctor may recommend treatment, including: Carotid sinus massage: A healthcare professional can apply gentle pressure on the neck, where the carotid artery splits into two branches. Pressing gently on the eyeballs with eyes closed.