After a visit to your health care professional, you heard about sinus tachycardia and now, you want to know more about this condition. You will not have to search any further. This write-up talks about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for the same.
There are different names with which sinus tachycardia is referred to. It is known as sinus tach or sinus tachy. In some cases, it may also be known as inappropriate sinus tachycardia. In this condition, the rate of impulses in the heart rhythm is elevated, which originates from the sinoatrial node.
In an adult with sinus tachycardia, the heart rate is greater than 100 beats per minute whereas, the heart rate in a normal adult is 60 to 100 beats per minute. The sinoatrial node is said to be the natural pacemaker in the body. This node is situated in the wall of the upper right chamber of the heart. The regular normal cardiac impulses start at this node, which are then transmitted to the atria and then to the ventricles.
Causes
The exact cause of sinus tach is not known. It is said to be commonly caused in people, who suffer from anxiety. Drinking a lot of beverages containing caffeine is also said to trigger the condition. People suffering from thyroid diseases, or the ones using asthma or allergy drugs are also susceptible to this condition. Fever may also be one of the causes of tachycardia.
Although this condition is related to the heart, it may not necessarily point to heart disease. However, if a person does suffer from severe type of sinus tachycardia, then it may be due to a heart condition. An electrical disturbance in the heart, may give rise to this condition. It is important to note that it may also be triggered, when a person is about to experience a heart attack. Some people may suffer from tachycardia after eating.
Symptoms
The most prominent symptom of the above condition is rapid heart rate. The patient may suffer from heart palpitations and pounding sensation in the chest. Asymptomatic symptoms may also be seen in mild cases. Shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting are also some of the symptoms. Severe anxiety for no particular reason may also be triggered due to this condition.
Treatment
The line of treatment depends on the cause of the problem, along with type of tachycardia. Often a treatment is not required for this condition. The patient may have to undergo some therapies. Usually, the first step involves, calming the breath and rapid heart rate. Long procedure is not required for the same. If the condition is severe then certain medications may be prescribed to lower the heart rate. Simple things like holding the breath for a minute, washing the face with cold water, and massaging the carotid artery located in the neck are some measures that might help to alleviate the condition.
In case the condition is severe and arises from the ventricle, then, injectable medication or electro-conversion may be necessary to stimulate the heart to come back to the normal rate. In rare cases, a device similar to a pacemaker may have to be implanted, so that normal heart rate is maintained. An aging patient should be given immediate treatment without wasting any time. Same is the case with patients with heart condition. If the condition does not subside in some time, it is best to seek medical opinion right away. Delay in treatment may lead to a decrease in heart functioning and give rise to other complications.
