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Cardiology

Tachycardia

Some people with Tachycardia may have no symptoms and can only be detected by a heart test.

Tachycardia

Tachycardia is an alteration of the heart rhythm, it generates an increase in the heartbeat when it is at rest, which causes the heart not to be able to pump the blood correctly and does not bring the necessary oxygen to the rest of the body. 

When resting, the heart rate is normally about 60 to 100 beats per minute. It is defined as Tachycardia when the increase in heart rate is between 100 and 400 beats per minute.

Causes
  • Anemia
  • Exercise
  • Stress
  • Strong emotions
  • Low or high blood pressure
  • Smoke
  • Caffeine abuse
  • Fever
  • Alcohol and drugs abuse
  • Heart disease
  • Lung disease
  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
  • Side effects of medication
  • Electrolyte disorders (elements related to minerals essential to carry an electric charge)
Symptoms
  • Dizziness

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Confusion

  • Fast heart rate

  • Fainting

  • Heartbeats too fast or have irregular beats

  • Chest pain

  • Some people with Tachycardia may have no symptoms and can only be detected by physical examination or a heart test (electrocardiogram, ECG, or EKG).
Risk factors
  • Sleep apnea

  • Alcohol abuse

  • Anemia

  • Anxiety

  • Family history of heart rhythm diseases or tachycardia 

  • Excess consumption of caffeine

  • Illegal drug use

  • Diabetes

  • Age, older people

  • Heart disease

  • Stress

  • Smoke

  • High blood pressure

  • Overactive or underactive thyroid
Diagnosis of Tachycardia
The Cardiologist, will perform a physical exam, ask questions related to your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history, especially if you have suffered from any pulmonary or cardiovascular disease. 

Following are some of the possible tests that could be carried out:

  • An Electrocardiogram measures the rhythm of the heart
  • Portable electrocardiogram devices such as monitoring Holter and event monitor, allowing obtaining more information about your heart rate Electrophysiologist test, analyzes the type and severity of the arrhythmias, and the area of ​​the heart where they originate and the damage it produces 
  • Echocardiogram produces video images of the heart, size, and shape of the heart that can be observed and any abnormality 
  • CT SCAN  
  • MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging 
  • Chest X-ray allows seeing the state of the lungs and heart 
  • Coronary angiography allows visualizing the arteries that supply blood to the heart and detect any obstruction in these 
  • A Stress Test measures heart health 
  • Inclined table test allows the doctor to understand how Tachycardia can contribute to fainting
Treatment of Tachycardia
The treatments provided by the Cardiologist, seek to reach the cause of the condition, help reduce and prevent an accelerated heart rate, and decrease the complications that the patient may present.

We have grouped some of the ways to slow down your heartbeat:

  • Vagal maneuvers seek to damage the vagus nerve, which helps regulate the heartbeat
  • Medications, tablets, or injection of an antiarrhythmic drug (Injections of this drug must be given in a Hospital)
  • Cardioversion allows one to restore the heart rhythm, using electric shocks to the heart. (This method is used when emergency care is needed, or other treatments or medications have not worked)
  • The following methods can help control or prevent a tachycardia episode
  • Catheter ablation is used to treat irregular heart rhythms
  • Antiarrhythmic medications
  • Calcium channel blocking drugs and beta-blockers
  • Pacemaker allows control of abnormal heart rhythms
  • Implantable cardioverter, the use of this device is recommended if there is a high probability of having a tachycardia episode or rapid heartbeat. This equipment detects an abnormal heart rhythm and helps restore a normal heart rhythm
  • Surgery
Living with Tachycardia
Following the treatment provided by your Cardiologist, and leading a healthy lifestyle could help improve quality of life.
We group the following recommendations:
  • Control high blood pressure

  • Do regular physical exercise

  • Reduce salt intake

  • Don´t smoke

  • Manage stress

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Get enough rest
When to See a Doctor?
Tachycardia is a condition that can appear occasionally or sporadically; however, when it occurs frequently it is necessary to give it the proper attention because it can become a symptom of a condition as serious as a Heart Arrhythmia




It is essential to consult a Cardiology specialist to diagnose a Tachycardia and to be able to start a treatment that helps you control your symptoms. 
At the time of consulting your Cardiologist, try to keep a record of your pain with a detailed description of the symptoms, duration, and what you think triggered them. Also, mention any medications you are taking.

In case of breathing difficulties, chest pain for several minutes or fainting, you should go to the emergency room. You can go directly to the BlueNetHospitals Emergency Room in Los Cabos or call an ambulance at 624 1043 911.


BlueNetHospitals - Hospital Los Cabos
BlueNet Hospitals.