Consequences of Rapid Heart Rate
Rapid heart rate, medically known as tachycardia, is defined as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute while at rest. This condition can hinder the heart’s ability to effectively pump blood to various organs, including itself. Such inefficiency can lead to several detrimental effects on the body, which include:
- The risk of blood clots.
- Episodes of fainting.
- Heart failure.
- Sudden cardiac death, particularly in cases of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
- Shortness of breath.
- Feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.
Symptoms of Rapid Heart Rate
Individuals experiencing rapid heart rates may exhibit a range of symptoms; however, it is important to note that some individuals might remain asymptomatic. Common symptoms include:
- Dizziness.
- Pounding or fluttering sensation in the heart.
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fainting or cardiac arrest in severe cases.
Causes of Rapid Heart Rate
Tachycardia arises from disturbances in the electrical signals that govern heart muscle contractions. Various factors may contribute to this condition, including:
- Damage to heart tissue.
- Engagement in strenuous physical activity.
- Sudden episodes of anxiety.
- Excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages.
- Overuse of certain medications, such as cocaine.
- Fever.
- High or low blood pressure.
- Smoking.
- Anemia.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Pre-existing heart conditions.
- Congenital abnormalities affecting heart’s electrical pathways.
Preventing Rapid Heart Rate
Several strategies can be implemented to mitigate the severity of tachycardia and reduce potential complications. These include:
- Utilizing antiarrhythmic medications to help prevent rapid heart rates.
- Administering specific drugs, such as warfarin, to lower the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
- A physician may insert a catheter into the heart to remove the affected tissue that causes irregular heartbeats.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary if other treatments are ineffective.
References
- ^ A B Christian Nordqvist (29-11-2017), “Everything You Need to Know About Tachycardia,” www.medicalnewstoday.com, Accessed 27-3-2019.
- ↑ “Tachycardia: Causes, Types, and Symptoms,” www.webmd.com, 17-12-2017, Accessed 27-3-2019.
- ↑ “Tachycardia,” www.mayoclinic.org, 8-3-2018, Accessed 27-3-2019.