Tachycardia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Tachycardia is a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute. In rare cases, especially when the heart rate rises above 130 beats per minute, the heart may not pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, a racing heartbeat, and fatigue.

Often described as a racing heart, tachycardia can be triggered by intense physical activity, pain, stimulants such as caffeine and guarana, or even a sudden scare. However, tachycardia can also occur due to an infection or conditions affecting the heart or lungs.

If tachycardia occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to see a cardiologist to determine the underlying cause. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medication, procedures such as catheter ablation or cardioversion, or, in some cases, surgery.

Tachycardia symptoms

The main symptoms of tachycardia are:

• A feeling that the heart is beating very fast, even at rest

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Feeling faint

• Heart palpitations

• Shortness of breath and fatigue

Tachycardia symptoms may improve once the heart rate returns to normal.

However, if episodes occur frequently or are accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, or fainting, medical evaluation is important. Severe symptoms or a very fast heart rate that lasts for more than a few minutes may require emergency medical care.

Confirming a diagnosis

Tachycardia is diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on an evaluation of symptoms, medical history, a physical exam, and diagnostic testing.

To confirm tachycardia and determine its cause, the doctor may order tests to assess the heart rate and rhythm. These may include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which records the heart's electrical activity, and a Holter monitor, which continuously records the heart's rhythm for a day or longer.

The doctor may also order an echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, or electrophysiology (EP) study. An EP study can help identify where abnormal electrical signals are occurring in the heart.

How to check your heart rate

If you want to know whether your heart rate is within a normal range, enter your information in the calculator below:

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This calculator is intended for general guidance only. It cannot provide a diagnosis and should not replace an evaluation by a cardiologist.

Main types

Tachycardia can be classified into several types, including:

1. Sinus tachycardia

Sinus tachycardia is a fast heart rhythm in which the heart beats more than 100 times per minute while maintaining a normal sinus rhythm. It can cause a racing or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness.

Sinus tachycardia is often a normal response to situations such as anxiety, pain, fever, or dehydration, but it can also be associated with conditions such as hyperthyroidism and heart disease.

2. Ventricular tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia is an abnormal heart rhythm that starts in the lower chambers of the heart, called the ventricles, and causes the heart to beat very quickly, usually at least 100 to 120 beats per minute.

According to the American Heart Association, ventricular tachycardia can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.

When ventricular tachycardia lasts 30 seconds or longer, it is considered sustained and can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or even cardiac arrest.

3. Supraventricular tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia is a type of arrhythmia caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the upper part of the heart, including the atria. It can cause palpitations, dizziness, a feeling of heaviness in the chest, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

This type of tachycardia may be associated with a family history of the condition or triggered by situations such as stress, infection, or excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption.

4. Atrial tachycardia

Atrial tachycardia is a type of arrhythmia that causes the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, to beat faster than normal. The atrial rate can range from 100 to 250 beats per minute.

Some people with atrial tachycardia may experience a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue.

Main causes

Tachycardia can be a normal response of the body to situations such as:

• Severe pain

• Stress or anxiety

• Panic attacks or phobias

• Intense physical exercise

• Strong emotions, such as being startled, feeling very happy, or experiencing intense fear

• Excessive caffeine intake

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Energy drink consumption

• Smoking or nicotine use

Although tachycardia can occur in response to everyday situations, it may also be associated with conditions such as hyperthyroidism, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or chronic lung disease.

For this reason, it is important to see a doctor if tachycardia occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Treatment options

Depending on the type and cause of tachycardia, treatment may include:

• Oral medications, such as amiodarone, propafenone, atenolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, and digoxin.

• Catheter ablation, which involves guiding a thin catheter through a blood vessel to the area of the heart causing the abnormal rhythm. According to the American Heart Association, the procedure uses energy to destroy a small area of heart tissue responsible for abnormal electrical signals and may be used to treat ventricular or supraventricular tachycardia.

• Surgery, which may be recommended when other treatments are not effective at controlling symptoms of ventricular tachycardia or when there is a defect or abnormality involving the heart valves or blood vessels.

• Cardioversion, a treatment generally used for ventricular and supraventricular tachycardias. Pads or adhesive electrodes are placed on the chest, and an electrical shock is delivered using a defibrillator.

• The Valsalva maneuver, which may be recommended for people with supraventricular tachycardia. This maneuver stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to slow the heart rate.

Lifestyle changes may also be recommended, such as exercising regularly, reducing caffeine intake, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet.