Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate, normal being between 60 and 90 beats per minute. A heart rate faster than normal is not necessarily linked to heart disease. The tachycardia may be inconsequential or very serious.
Taking drugs or alcohol, physical exertion or stress sufficient to increase heart rate.
In the presence of lower blood pressure or an embolism, the heart tries to restore blood flow by an increase in heartbeat.
Palpitations are often felt, but the increased heart beat is usually assymptômatique. Tachycardia is usually checked by taking the pulse over 90 beats per minute in adults and more than 120 infants.
Too rapid a pace prevents the ventricle from filling enough, driving down blood flow. If the tachycardia continues, the heart muscle without sufficient relaxation time no longer can recharge, causing serious complications.
The cause of the tachycardia is determined by an electrocardiogram. When not connected to a cardiac system disorder, the doctor treats the external cause (anemia, anxiety, stress or fever, for example). Antiarrhythmic drugs are sometimes used. Surgery (correction infarction) may sometimes be necessary.
In contrast to the tachycardia, bradycardia is a heart rate slower than normal.
13 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |