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Arrhythmias encompass various irregular heart rhythms, one of which is tachycardia, where the heart beats faster than normal.
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Heart disease often includes conditions that can lead to or exacerbate tachycardia, especially if the heart's electrical system is affected.

Tachycardia

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Tachycardia refers to a condition where the heart rate is abnormally high, typically above 100 beats per minute in adults. It can arise due to various physiological or pathological causes and may require medical attention depending on its origin and severity.

Understanding Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a condition characterized by an elevated heart rate. The heart typically beats between 60 to 100 times per minute at rest. In tachycardia, the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. This increase can be due to normal responses to physiological stressors, such as exercise or anxiety, or it can result from underlying medical conditions.

Types of Tachycardia

There are several types of tachycardia, each with different causes and implications:

  • Sinus Tachycardia: This occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial node, increases the heart rate in response to conditions like fever, anxiety, or exercise.
  • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Originating above the heart's ventricles, SVT can cause a rapid heart rate due to problems with electrical signals in the heart.
  • Ventricular Tachycardia: This involves rapid heart rate originating from the ventricles and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Causes and Symptoms

Common causes of tachycardia include heart-related conditions such as hypertension or coronary artery disease, as well as non-cardiac factors like anemia, thyroid disease, or electrolyte imbalances. Symptoms often include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, ECG, blood tests, and sometimes imaging studies. Treatment varies depending on the cause and may include medication, lifestyle changes, or procedures like catheter ablation.

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Heart Disease

Heart disease often involves structural or functional abnormalities of the heart. These can lead to disruptions in the electrical pathways that regulate heart rate, potentially causing tachycardia. Conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, or valvular heart disease are commonly associated with elevated heart rates.

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Topic: tachycardia
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Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate that exceeds 100 beats per minute.

Topic: tachycardia
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Tachycardia is a condition where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute.

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Heart Disease
Tachycardia is often associated with heart disease as it can be a symptom of underlying cardiac conditions.