Contents
What is sinus tachycardia of the heart
Tachycardia is an accelerated heartbeat, above 100 beats per minute (normal should be 60-80 beats).
Tachycardias are different depending on the cause. Sinus tachycardia occurs when the sinus node (the heart’s natural pacemaker) generates electrical impulses too quickly.
Causes of sinus tachycardia in adults
Sinus tachycardia is of two types.
Normal (physiological). This is a completely natural increase in heart rate. It occurs in response to certain factors, the main of which are:
- physical exercise – in this case, the heart rate (HR) usually increases, since more oxygen must be pumped to the muscles;
- stress or anxiety – these cause an increase in hormones such as dopamine and adrenaline, which make the heart beat faster.
Other potential causes of normal sinus tachycardia include:
- stimulants such as nicotine or caffeine;
- alcohol;
- low blood pressure
- obesity;
- infection.
Less common causes of sinus:
- damage to heart tissue
- problems with the thyroid gland;
- anemia.
Inappropriate (abnormal). Its cause is unknown. People with this disease may have a rapid heartbeat all the time, even at rest.
Symptoms of sinus tachycardia in adults
In addition to heart palpitations, people with sinus tachycardia may experience the following symptoms:
- irregular heartbeat;
- labored breathing;
- dizziness;
- fainting;
- chest pain;
- anxiety;
- change in blood pressure.
Treatment of sinus tachycardia in adults
A doctor can diagnose sinus tachycardia by taking a person’s medical history, physical exam, and other medical tests.
Diagnostics
Tests a doctor may use to diagnose sinus tachycardia include:
- blood tests;
- thyroid function tests;
- Analysis of urine.
The patient can also be assigned a Holter monitor – this is a device that is attached to the human body and reads heart rate readings for a long time (usually a day or two).
Modern treatments
Treatment for sinus tachycardia depends on its cause, but usually therapy involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and, in very rare cases, surgery.
Sinus tachycardia is usually benign, but if it is persistent, it can lead to heart weakness over time. Doctors call this tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Sometimes a doctor may prescribe medications such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or ivabradine to lower the heart rate and treat symptoms.
Patients with abnormal tachycardia may be recommended catheter ablation, when the area of the heart where the impulses that provoke tachycardia are cauterized or strongly cooled to form a small scar – this will prevent unnecessary heart signals.
Prevention of sinus tachycardia in adults at home
As a prophylaxis of sinus tachycardia, you need:
- reduce caffeine intake;
- stop smoking;
- exercise regularly;
- drink enough water;
- reduce salt intake.
Popular questions and answers
Questions about sinus tachycardia we asked to answer cardiologist Tamaz Gagloshvili.
What are the complications of sinus tachycardia?
Sinus tachycardia is not a dangerous condition and will not lead to serious problems or death. Often, it causes discomfort to a person, he begins to be even more afraid, a fear of death appears, and tachycardia intensifies.