Sinus tachycardia is a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute. The electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat come from the normal "pacemaker" of the heart.
This condition is a fast heartbeat that follows a normal pattern, as opposed to a "true" or "primary" arrhythmia, in which the beat is abnormal..Sinus tachycardia is generally a normal response to demands on the heart. The heart beats regularly in this condition, but faster than normal. This condition generally starts and stops gradually, such as at the beginning and end of exercise.
Though symptoms often do not occur, signs and symptoms of this condition may include: racing heart rate or pulsea feeling of the heart pounding in the chestdizziness in some cases
Other symptoms are generally related to the underlying cause of this condition.
There are many possible causes of this condition, including: exerciseanxietyemotional stressfeverdehydrationpainanemia, or a low blood countheart failureshocka high level of thyroid hormone in the bodylow oxygen levels
This condition can be prevented only if the underlying cause can be prevented. For example, avoiding exercise or dehydration can prevent some cases. It is important to remember that this condition is not necessarily bad and is a normal response to certain situations.
Affected people or a healthcare provider can check their pulse and notice that it is greater than 100. An electrocardiogram (ECG) will show a pattern of normal heartbeats that are faster than 100 beats per minute.
This condition itself usually has no long-term effects. In some settings, a fast heartbeat may cause chest pain or a heart attack. Some people get chest pain every time they exert themselves and the heart starts to beat faster. This is known as angina. This usually only occurs when someone has clogged arteries in his or her heart.
This condition is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
Treatment may be directed at the underlying cause of this condition. For example, people may need: fluids if they are dehydratedacetaminophen for a feverantibiotics for an infectionextra oxygen if they have low oxygenblood transfusions or iron pills for low blood countsmedications to treat a high thyroid hormone level
Generally treatment is only needed for the underlying condition and not for the tachycardia itself. In fact, exercise that raises the heart rate above normal is advised for all healthy people at least three times a week
This depends on the treatments used. All medications have possible side effects. These may include allergic reactions, stomach upset, and other side effects. Specific side effects depend on the drugs used. Blood transfusions may cause allergic reactions or infections.
If needed, the heart rate can be monitored until it returns to normal. Once the underlying cause of this condition is treated, people are free to return to normal activities.
A healthcare provider should investigate unexplained, repeated, and frequent episodes of fast heartbeats. In many cases, monitoring is only done for the underlying condition, not the fast heart rate itself.
