The term tachycardia refers to heart rate and rhythm. Heart rate is the number of heart beats per minute, with the normal range being between 60 and 100 beats per minute. When it exceeds 100 beats per minute, it is considered tachycardia. Tachycardia can be normal (physiological) or pathological, depending on the cause that originates it. Dr. Rodrigo León, cardiologist of our clinic, gives us more information on the subject.

Causes

The causes of tachycardias are multiple and can be differentiated into physiological or pathological.

Physiological causes. These are external stimuli that provoke the release of adrenaline in our organism, accelerating the heart. For example:

• Shocks
• Pain
• Exciting moments
• Physical activity

Pathological causes. These occur when there is an alteration in the conduction tissue of the heart.

Symptoms generated by tachycardia:

• Sensation of rapid palpitations at chest level, sometimes felt up to the neck.
• Sensation of shortness of breath.
• Chest pain in the form of tightness.
• Loss of consciousness.

Risk Factors

Risk factors are considered to be those related to structural heart diseases that generate tachycardias. These are:

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• Dyslipidemia
• Excessive sports physical activity
• Age

Treatment

Tachycardias of physiological cause do not require medical treatment; sometimes, it is only necessary to control the external factor that generates them. In contrast, pathological tachycardias require initial treatment with medication. If despite medication the patient does not improve, interventional procedures such as electrophysiological study and catheter ablation are chosen.

Remember:

• Early detection and treatment in the initial stages are important for a successful recovery. To this end, men should have regular check-ups with a cardiologist: men from the age of 30 and women from the age of 35, especially if they have diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, rheumatoid arthritis or hyperthyroidism.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle, do regular physical activity (3 to 5 times a week, for at least 30 minutes), have a healthy diet (without excess calories, saturated fats and salt), and avoid harmful substances such as tobacco, among others.

Dr. Rodrigo León
Cardiologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma