tachycardia

Imagine running a race and feeling your heart speed up to send more oxygen around your body. Tachycardia is when that kind of fast heartbeat happens in an unusual way, often even while you are resting. It describes a heart rate that is abnormally fast, usually more than 100 beats per minute in adults. It can happen as a normal response to exercise, stress, or a strong cup of coffee, but it can also point to a health problem. You might notice it as palpitations, with your heart fluttering, racing, or pounding in your chest. A doctor usually uses an EKG to check the heart rhythm and find the cause.

The word tachycardia is derived from the Greek roots tachys (fast) and kardia (heart). It is a medical term used to describe an abnormally rapid heartbeat—generally defined as a resting heart rate of over 100 beats per minute in adults. It is important to understand that tachycardia is not always a disease itself, but rather a sign or symptom of various physiological or pathological conditions.

It can be triggered by everyday factors such as anxiety, fever, dehydration, or high caffeine intake. However, more serious causes include heart conditions (like atrial fibrillation), thyroid disorders, anemia, or reactions to certain medications. There are several types of tachycardia, categorized by where the rapid rhythm originates in the heart. Supraventricular tachycardia starts in the upper chambers (atria), while ventricular tachycardia begins in the lower chambers—the latter is generally more dangerous as it can severely disrupt blood flow.

Someone experiencing tachycardia might feel a fluttering sensation in their chest, shortness of breath, dizziness, or lightheadedness. If these symptoms are severe or persistent, seeking medical attention is important. Doctors use an electrocardiogram (EKG) to diagnose the specific type of tachycardia and determine the best course of treatment, which can range from lifestyle changes and medication to procedures like cardioversion or ablation. Ultimately, while a temporary increase in heart rate is normal during exertion, tachycardia refers to a heartbeat that is unusually fast, especially when it happens at rest or out of proportion to the situation.