Tachycardia is manifested by rapid heartbeat. There are several types (sinusal, Bouveret…). Depending on the cause and symptoms, the tachycardia crisis may require emergency treatment.
Attacks of tachycardia are manifested by a increased heart rate. If they are normal during a sports effort, they can be linked to pathologies and require rapid treatment. Is it dangerous? How to diagnose tachycardia? How to treat a tachycardia attack?
Definition: what is a tachycardia attack?
Tachycardia means an accelerated heart rate greater than 90 beats/min. A “normal” heart rate is estimated to be between 60 and 90 beats per minute. It may be slightly slower in athletes.
What causes a tachycardia attack?
Tachycardia is a natural phenomenon during muscular effort. The acceleration of the heart allows faster muscle oxygenation. Sometimes pathologies can lead to tachycardia such as:
Ventricular tachycardia is a real danger
- a fever
- anemia
- hyperthyroidism
- blood loss
- dehydration
- stress
- an anxiety attack,
- an attack of spasmophilia,
- a fit of tetany,
- an asthma attack,
- a pulmonary embolism,
- acute pulmonary edema
- excessive alcohol consumption,
- cannabis,
- coffee or other stimulants…
Specific heart attacks are also the cause of tachycardia.
What are the symptoms of a tachycardia attack?
The main symptoms of tachycardia are increased heart rate (the feeling that “the heart is racing”), a feeling of “bumping” in the chest with palpitations, and/or feeling unwellwhich can lead to loss of consciousness in severe cases.
Sinus tachycardia is the most common tachycardia: the atria beat too fast while the ventricles follow the opposite rhythm.
What is the difference between arrhythmia and tachycardia?
We speak of tachyarrhythmia when the heartbeat is fast and irregular. This is mainly cardiac arrhythmia due to atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Atrial tachycardia is the anarchic activation of an ectopic cardiac focus.
What is Bouveret’s tachycardia?
Bouveret’s disease, or junctional tachycardia, is characterized by a rapid and brutal racing of the heart: these palpitations have a sudden beginning and end. Heartbeats can approach 200/min and loss of consciousness is possible.
During ventricular tachycardia, the ventricles beat very quickly: this tachycardia requires urgent care and transfer to intensive care. It is a vital emergency. It is secondary to a serious pathology.
What is Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome?
Tachycardia due to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is caused by a birth defect of electrical conduction inside the heart. This anomaly is the result of an abnormal cardiac muscle fiber which communicates atria and ventricles.
Is it dangerous to have tachycardia?
The danger of tachycardia is above all that of its cause. A rapid heart rate due to stress, anxiety, fever or anemia is never very high. It gives the feeling of throbbing. Treating fever, anxiety, or anemia is enough to calm the heartbeat. More serious causes such as pulmonary embolism, massive bleeding cause reactive tachycardias which can be dangerous. Cardiac arrhythmias can be complicated by vascular thrombosis (or clots) and cause strokes. Finally, Bouveret’s disease is usually mild and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome requires specific treatment. Ventricular tachycardia is a real danger because death can quickly occur in the absence of urgent treatment.
What test to detect tachycardia?
The diagnosis of tachycardia is simple when taking the pulse. The number of heartbeats in one minute is calculated by taking the pulse at the wrist or elsewhere where the arteries are palpable. The cause of the tachycardia is then explored by performing a electrocardiogram or ECG, which will make it possible to measure the activity of the heart and especially its rhythm. After this first assessment, the examinations will be guided by the cardiologist.
How to treat a tachycardia attack?
The treatment for tachycardia depends on its cause. Reactive tachycardias should benefit from the treatment of the cause. Arrhythmias should be “reduced” through the use of techniques or medications to regulate heart rhythm. Anticoagulant treatment often accompanies these treatments to avoid thrombotic complications. Bouveret’s disease may benefit from treatment avoiding rapid heart rate such as beta-blockers. “During an anxiety-related tachycardia, take deep, deep breathss helps to better oxygenate the tissues and limit the work of the heart. It also has the effect of relieving anxiety. explains Dr Anne-Christine Della-Valle, general practitioner. And to add: “During pregnancy, the heart rate increases physiologically. It is advisable to avoid consuming stimulants.