Causes and risk factors
Heart rate is controlled by electrical signals passing across the heart tissues. Heart is made up of primarily muscle tissue. A network of nerve fibres regulates contraction and relaxation of heart muscles to obtain wave like pumping action of heart. Electrical signals are generated by SA node placed in the right atrium of heart. Autonomic nervous system controls the rate of signals sent by SA node. Tachycardia is seen when there is some abnormality in heart causing rapid electrical signals. Any condition causing strain on heart or damage to the heart tissue causes tachycardia. Physical activity like exercise leads to tachycardia. Risk factors causing tachycardia are underlying heart disease, disease like asthma, hyperthyroidism can cause tachycardia. Smoking, heavy alcohol intake, using recreational drugs, excessive consumption of caffeine, pregnancy, anaemia, psychological stress, and anxiety precipitates tachycardia. Old age and family history of tachycardia can also be additional risk factors for the condition.
Clinical presentation
When a heart beats rapidly it can’t supply enough blood to the organs and tissues of body depriving them of oxygen. Signs and symptoms include rapid pulse, dizziness, light-headedness, shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, fainting.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. An ECG is recommended. Holter monitoring which records electrical activity of heart of 24 hours is advised. Additional tests such as electrophysiological test, tilt table test also help in diagnosis of tachycardia.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause. No treatment is required for most patients where there is no underlying disease which is causing tachycardia. Treating the underlying disease is necessary if any. Other conditions may need regularising heart beat by methods such as vagal manoeuvre [putting ice pack on face, bearing down as if defecating or coughing]. Medications like anti arrhythmic drugs may be required to correct increased heart rate. When above treatment is not helpful, cardioversion is applied i.e. electric current is administered in the heart which restores normal heart rhythm. Surgical treatment to prevent tachycardia involves catheter ablation, pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, open heart surgery.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating tachycardia. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating tachycardia.
