Sinus Tachycardia
Sinus tachycardia is a prevalent condition that can occur in response to stressful situations. When experiencing this, your heart may beat faster than 100 times each minute, but it generally returns to its normal sinus tachycardia rate after the stressor is removed. If your symptoms persist while you are resting (i.e. sinus tachycardia at rest), it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for sinus tachycardia treatment.
More about Sinus Tachycardia
Tachycardia refers to a condition where your heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. In cases of sinus tachycardia, the electrical impulses from the sinoatrial (SA) node in your heart prompt it to beat faster than usual. This condition is usually linked to stressors such as fear, physical activity, or dehydration.
What Is Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia?
When sinus tachycardia occurs without a clear cause, it is classified as inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Although your heart still beats more than 100 times a minute with this sinus tachycardia rate, your ECG (electrocardiogram) typically shows no abnormalities. Are you wondering, is sinus tachycardia serious? Well! Fortunately, this issue is usually not serious. An ECG can help your healthcare provider differentiate between sinus tachycardia and other forms of tachycardia, such as:
- SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), which shares similar symptoms but is usually triggered by controllable factors.
- Sinus tachycardia associated with PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) & PACs (premature atrial contractions), which can create sensations of a racing or pounding heart (palpitations), though these additional heartbeats are generally not worrisome.
- Ventricular tachycardia, which can be more dangerous and may necessitate CPR if chest pain & breathing trouble occur.
Sinus Bradycardia
Sinus bradycardia happens to be a condition that is characterised by a slower-than-normal heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute, originating from the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker. While a low heart rate can be normal, specifically in athletes or during sleep, sinus bradycardia may indicate an underlying issue if it causes symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or fainting. Causes may include any medicine side effects, electrolyte imbalances, or conditions affecting the heart’s electrical system. Treatment depends on the cause & symptom severity, ranging from lifestyle adjustments to medicines or a pacemaker in more severe cases. Regular monitoring is essential for its proper management.
Who Does Sinus Tachycardia Affect?
Sinus tachycardia can affect anyone, as it is a typical response to stress.
Sinus Tachycardia Causes
While sinus tachycardia is viewed as a normal reaction to certain situations, it becomes abnormal when it occurs at rest. In sinus tachycardia, your body reacts to various stressors, including:
- Fear
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Nervousness
- Rigorous exercise
- Certain medications
Less common causes might include:
- Anemia
- Damaged heart tissue
- Significant blood loss
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Sinus Tachycardia Symptoms
If your healthcare provider excludes these possibilities, he/she may conclude that you have inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Many individuals may not experience any sinus tachycardia symptoms, and if they do, these symptoms typically resolve quickly. Possible symptoms include the following:
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Chest discomfort
- Light-headedness
- Breathing difficulties
- Increased heart rate
Symptoms specific to inappropriate sinus tachycardia include:
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty with physical activities
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can involve:
- Chest CT
- Chest X-ray
- Blood analysis
- Holter monitor
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (sinus tachycardia ECG or EKG)
- A scan to assess lung circulation
- Pulse oximetry to evaluate blood oxygen levels
Sinus Tachycardia Treatment Options
Your healthcare provider will concentrate on addressing the underlying cause of your sinus tachycardia. If the triggers were stress or heavy exercise, stopping those activities could resolve the issue. If the tachycardia is due to another medical problem (like dehydration or anemia), your provider will treat those conditions. For inappropriate sinus tachycardia, potential treatments may consist of the following:
- Ivabradine
- Beta-blockers
- Catheter ablation
- Calcium channel blockers
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy
Side Effects of Sinus Tachycardia Treatment
Every medicine can lead to side effects, but often the benefits are more significant than the risks. Catheter ablation carries a small risk of serious complications.
Treating the Symptoms of Sinus Tachycardia
If you have symptoms, they will usually go away quickly. Lying down & taking deep breaths can help relieve light-headedness & dizziness.
Sinus Tachycardia Treatment at Home
Although some stressful events in life are beyond your control, the best way to protect yourself from sinus tachycardia is to stay healthy, calm, & well-hydrated. But unfortunately, some causes of sinus tachycardia can’t be controlled. Other lifestyle changes include the following:
- Quit smoking
- Reduce your sodium intake
- Lower your caffeine intake
- Do regular physical activity
- Cease the use of tobacco products
Prognosis for Sinus Tachycardia
Although some types of tachycardia can cause cardiomyopathy, sinus tachycardia usually does not. Because sinus tachycardia is a normal response to a stressful situation, the prognosis for people with sinus tachycardia is good. Once you are free from the temporary stressful situation, your heart rate will return to normal.
What Happens If a Female Gets Sinus Tachycardia During Her Pregnancy
It is not uncommon for palpitations to occur during pregnancy. In most cases, this is not dangerous. If your doctor is concerned, he/she may order an electrocardiogram. If needed, there are medicines that can be taken safely during pregnancy.
When to See a Doctor about Sinus Tachycardia?
If you were in a stressful situation or experienced strenuous physical activity just before the symptoms appeared, the symptoms are more likely to go away quickly without treatment. However, if you have other health problems or the symptoms do not go away with rest, contact your doctor. Although sinus tachycardia is usually not a cause for concern, there are other problems that can cause a fast heart rate. Some of these other tachycardias are more serious and should be checked for. You can meet Dr. Arun Hari at the LLH Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE for any kind of heart problems, he is sure to give you the best treatment in this regard.
Sinus Tachycardia Treatment in Abu Dhabi
For expert Sinus Tachycardia treatment in Abu Dhabi, Doctor Arun Hari at LLH Hospital offers specialised care tailored to manage & treat irregular heart sinus rhythms effectively. With advanced diagnostics & a patient-centred approach, Dr. Arun Hari & his team are dedicated to providing comprehensive cardiology care to address symptoms, improve heart health, & enhance overall well-being of patients. Contact Dr. Arun Hari at LLH Hospital to receive world-class treatment & a personalised recovery plan.
