What Are The Types Of Tachycardia?

Tachycardia is a term that can refer to heart rates that are too fast. They may be steady, though they can also be irregular heartbeats. In both cases, however, it seems to be generally accepted that the heart rate of someone with tachycardia must be at least one hundred beats per minute. There appears to be quite a few potential causes of this condition, including anemia, heart failure, a heart attack, and issues with the heart's structure. Finally, it also seems to be a potential side effect of certain medications. Blood pressure medications appear to be the most common ones to cause it. Smoking and drinking high amounts of caffeine may increase an individual's risk of this as well.

Some patients may be prescribed anti-arrhythmic medication for tachycardia. This can be given to them as an anti-arrhythmic injection in the hospital. It may work faster this way. Other patients may undergo a procedure called cardioversion as a tachycardia treatment. They may also have a pacemaker installed for tachycardia. Surgery may also be a possibility. Of course, the treatment for tachycardia that the doctor chooses depends on the type that a patient has.

Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter, as the name seems to suggest, affects the atria. These are the upper chambers of the heart. This form of tachycardia may occur when the atria beat faster than they should. However, they seem to maintain a regular heartbeat even if it is a little fast. Atrial flutter appears to be an issue with the electrical pulses in the heart. Some individuals with atrial flutter may also show symptoms of atrial fibrillation. The two conditions often seem to present in similar ways. In other cases, individuals may only deal with a faster heart rate. However, this condition may still cause stroke, heart failure, and other dangerous complications.

Patients may take medication for this condition. Doctors may also conduct a medical procedure that scars their heart to help. However, it is vital to know that the heart seems to struggle to keep blood circulating properly when it is beating too fast. This can mean that the organs do not get enough oxygen, which appears to be when complications occur.

Learn about more forms of tachycardia now.