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Rapid Heartbeat

Rapid heartbeat, also known as tachycardia, is characterized by a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. Various factors include stress, anxiety, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions such as anemia or thyroid disorders. In some cases, the rapid heartbeat may be a symptom of a more serious condition.

Rapid heartbeat Key Points
CausesArrhythmias, Anemia, Electrolyte imbalance, Thyroid Disorders
RemediesLifestyle Changes, Avoid Triggers, Avoid alcohol
Preventive OptionsRemoving underlying cause, Monitoring heart rate, Unncessary Medications
Treatment OptionsMedications(Anti-arrhytmic drugs), Electrical conversion, Pacemaker
SpecialistCardiologist

Sometimes, our hearts beat fast, like running or playing. But sometimes, our hearts beat too fast, even when sitting or resting. This is called a rapid heartbeat. It can be scary, but most of the time, it's not dangerous. Sometimes it happens because we're feeling anxious or stressed or if we've had too much sugar or caffeine. Sometimes it's because of a medical condition like a fever or an overactive thyroid. The doctor will check your heart and make sure everything is okay and might give you medicine to help if you need it.

Other Symptoms that come with rapid heartbeat

Other Symptoms that come with rapid heartbeat

Rapid heartbeat, or tachycardia, can have a variety of symptoms, some of which may include in the following.

  1. A feeling of heart racing or fluttering
  2. Palpitations or skipped heartbeats
  3. Shortness of breath
  4. Chest discomfort or pain
  5. Lightheadedness or dizziness
  6. Fatigue or weakness
  7. Sweating
  8. Fainting or near fainting
  9. Rapid heartbeat that is persistent or recurrent

The Types of Rapid heartbeat

There are several types of rapid heartbeats, or tachycardia, each with its own causes and characteristics. Some of the most common types include the following.

Sinus tachycardia

This is a normal response of the heart to certain stimuli such as exercise, stress, or fever. It's a rapid heart rate that originates from the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's natural pacemaker.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib)

This irregular heartbeat originates from the atria, the heart's upper chambers. It can cause a rapid heartbeat, fluttering sensation, or skipped beats.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

These are episodes of rapid heart rate that originate from the heart's upper chambers. They can cause a rapid heartbeat or fluttering sensation.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT)

This rapid heart rate originates from the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) and can be life-threatening if sustained. This occurs when a person is having a heart attack or may include a few disease conditions.

Conditions that cause Rapid heartbeat

Many medical conditions cause rapid heartbeat. This mainly diagnoses as tachycardia. In many conditions, doctors advise monitoring the heartbeat and advising the patient to admit to the hospital. All these conditions are given in the following.

Heart disease

Heart disease results in coronary artery disease, blockage, arrhythmias, and many more. All these conditions, especially heart conditions, resulting in tachycardia.

Arrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia can cause tachycardia.

Thyroid disorders

An overactive thyroid can cause tachycardia due to an increase in heart rate. As we have mentioned above, hyperthyroidism is also one of the factors for rapid heart rate.

Electrolyte imbalances

Abnormal levels of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium in the blood can cause tachycardia.

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome

The Wolff-Parkinson-White has an additional pathway for signaling upper and lower chambers. This results in a fast heartbeat. This could be present at birth. This is quite a rare condition.

Diagnostic Tests for Rapid heartbeat

The diagnosis of a rapid heartbeat, or tachycardia, typically begins with a physical examination and a review of the patient's symptoms and medical history.

  1. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  2. Holter monitor
  3. Event monitor
  4. Echocardiogram
  5. Exercise stress test
  6. Blood tests

Treatment for Rapid heartbeat

Treatment for the rapid heartbeat, or tachycardia, typically depends upon the underlying condition. Some general treatment options are mentioned down below.

Medications

Some many options and medications normalize the rapid heartbeat or tachycardia. Let's check out what these medications are, which help the patient to reduce critical symptoms. These include the following.

Beta-blockers

These medications slow down the heart rate by blocking the effects of certain hormones on the heart. Examples include propranolol and metoprolol.

Calcium channel blockers

These medications also slow down the heart rate by relaxing the muscles in the heart and blood vessels. Examples include verapamil and diltiazem.

Anti-arrhythmic drugs

These medications treat specific types of tachycardia, such as atrial fibrillation. Examples include amiodarone and flecainide.

Digoxin

This medication is to treat certain types of tachycardia, such as atrial fibrillation. It helps to slow down the heart rate and improve the strength of the heart's contractions.

Adenosine

This medication is used to treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), and it works by slowing down the electrical activity in the heart.

Vasodilators

These medications are used to dilate the blood vessels and help to lower the heart rate.

Electrical cardioversion

This procedure uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm. It uses a machine and sensor that delivers the shock to the chest.

Catheter ablation

This procedure uses a catheter to destroy small areas of the heart tissue, causing an abnormal heart rhythm.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option for treating certain types of rapid heartbeat or tachycardia caused by structural problems within the heart. Some examples of surgical procedures that may be used to treat tachycardia include the following.

Ablation

This procedure uses heat or cold to destroy small areas of heart tissue, causing abnormal electrical signals causing tachycardia. This can be done through a catheter or during open-heart surgery.

Maze procedure

This procedure is used to treat atrial fibrillation. It involves creating a series of small cuts in the atria to create a "maze" of scar tissue that helps restore heart electrical activity.

Pacemaker implantation

This procedure involves surgically implanting a small device under the skin of the chest that sends electrical signals to the heart to help regulate the heart rate.

Surgical repair or replacement of heart valves

In some cases, tachycardia can be caused by a problem with one or more of the heart's valves. Surgery to repair or replace these valves may be necessary to treat tachycardia.

Surgical ablation of AV node (AV node ablation)

This procedure treats some kinds of tachycardia, such as atrial fibrillation, by destroying the AV node. It is where the electrical connection between the atria and the ventricles. This procedure is performed with a catheter or with open-heart surgery.

Home Remedies

Several home remedies may help to reduce a rapid heart rate or tachycardia in the following.

Deep breathing exercises

Taking slow, deep breaths can help to slow down your heart rate. Try taking a deep breath through your nose, holding it for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth.

Relaxation techniques

Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be a common cause of tachycardia.

Hydration

Dehydration can cause the heart to work harder, so drinking plenty of water is essential. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Avoid triggers

If you know that certain foods, drinks, or activities trigger your tachycardia, try to avoid them. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and stress.

Cold compresses

The cold compress on the forehead or neck can help to slow down your heart rate.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can help to improve your heart health and lower your heart rate. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise.

Sleep

Ensure to get enough sleep, as lack of sleep can cause a rapid heartbeat.

Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

These devices may be implanted in patients with certain types of tachycardia to help regulate their heart rhythm.

The Preventive Care for Rapid heartbeat

Preventive measures for the rapid heartbeat, or tachycardia, include the following.

Managing underlying medical conditions

If you have a chronic condition, you must talk with your healthcare professional to manage the condition and prevent tachycardia.

Making lifestyle changes

Eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, and getting enough sleep can help to prevent tachycardia.

Avoiding triggers

If you know that certain things trigger your tachycardia, such as stress, certain foods, or medications, try to avoid them.

Monitoring your heart rate

If you're experiencing tachycardia, you can use a heart rate monitor to track the heart's rhythm and bring the information to your healthcare professional.

Medications

If taking medications that may cause tachycardia, speak with your healthcare professional about adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication.

When to see a doctor

It's a good idea to see a healthcare professional if you have persistent or recurrent rapid heartbeat or if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Rapid heartbeat that lasts more than a few minutes
  • Chest discomfort or chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Rapid heartbeat that is persistent or recurrent
  • Rapid heartbeat that occurs with other symptoms such as sweating or fatigue
  • Rapid heartbeat that occurs after starting a new medication
  • Rapid heartbeat that occurs during physical activity or exercise
  • Rapid heartbeat that is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting

Rapid heartbeat Doctors

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If you have rapid heartbeat and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified rapid heartbeat doctor. A doctor specializing in treating rapid heartbeat, such as a Cardiologist, would be the right health professional to consult.

Here is a list of Top verified doctors for rapid heartbeat. You can book an appointment with one to start your rapid heartbeat treatment today.

🏥 Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bommasandra, Bangalore

फीस:₹ 900

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Rapid heartbeat Hospitals

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A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your rapid heartbeat. If you are experiencing rapid heartbeat In that case, it is important to visit a rapid heartbeat hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Check a list of Top Hospitals for rapid heartbeat treatment.

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Frequently asked questions and answers about rapid heartbeat.

Rapid heartbeat Patient Reviews

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Reviews by patients on different.

Rapid heartbeatReview 1

Dr. Bhabendra Nath Kalita

Dr. Girish has been a God to us. I was surprised to see such down to earth highly qualified doctors with an everlasting smile. 30% of the fear due to the illness of my dad got vanished merely by seeing the greeting smiles of them. He saved my father's Life and minimized the risk related to the heart like a God. In a condition, where other Hospitals were either suggesting By Pass Surgeries or not willing to operate the Left side of the Heart by Angioplasty, Dr. Girish took extra effort to operate all the narrowing in both sides of the Heart including Roto with great difficulty, patience & effort. I was overwhelmed by his gesture when he greeted me & consoled me with belief & faith with the success of the operation before entering the Operation theatre. After 2 hours of operation, when he came out, even before washing his hands, he waved me from inside to make me feel safe & secure. From him, my father might be just a patient but he understood the pain I have been going through that 2 hours. The Operation is successful. Today, My Dad is recovering well and rapid. Thank you so much, Doctor!!

Rapid heartbeatReview 2

Narendra Natth Sikder

Medanta The Medicity

Doctor ,There are no words to thank and describe ,Most dedicated and far sightedness. The hospital should be proud to have such person Perfect in Admission caring personally doing Ecg. Such doctor can revive and give new life to patients. Almighty God bless him Health to serve humanity I will leave no opportunity to tell our people of North East I being Vice president of Lions Club of Gauhati Trustee of Lions Eye Hospital Grief counselor Shankerdev Netralaya for Eye donation Advisor to SIKH Pratinidhi Board North East Patron to Gauhati Press Club I will leave no opportunity to tell the truth to the residents of North East about devotion and dedication of the Doctor and staff of the hospital. It's my privilege and my luck to be here. We had heard of the hospital that their service and hospitality was not good. But I shall surely write in all newspaper and inform that what people said was Totally wrong and the misuderstanding. The services and care is best I pray God bless Dr

Rapid heartbeatReview 3

Anandita

My father went for a health check up alone at Kokilaben hospital. He was doing stess test and he developed Anterior wall Myocardial infarction (Major heart attack). Thanks to immediate attention by Dr. Pravin Kahale and his team who took my father immediately for Emergency angioplasty even though we were at home. In a heart attack, every minute delay leads to damage to heart muscle and has long term consequences of a weak heart. My father had good salvage and early prompt action lead to preserve heart pumping. Dr. Kahale is an excellent doctor. He has very deep knowledge. He writes few but best medications. He also makes us understand complex things in simple language. Our entire family would strongly recommend Dr. Kahale as a cardiolgist who can deliver the best in most complex cardiac issues. He is always accessible to the entire family and is only a phone call/ message away and resolves all the queries. Highly recommended!

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