Understanding tachycardia: Causes, symptoms, and effective treatments
When your heart races, don’t ignore it. Tachycardia—a faster-than-normal heartbeat—may be a sign that something’s not right. Learn how to recognize the symptoms, understand what causes it, and explore treatments that can help you take control of your heart health.
Tachycardia is a condition that causes the heart to beat faster than normal—typically more than 100 beats per minute. While it can be harmless in some cases, certain types of tachycardia can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
“There are many reasons a person’s heart might race,” says Peter D. Farjo, MD, MS, cardiac electrophysiologist. “Sometimes it’s the body’s natural response to exercise or stress. But it's important to get checked out when it happens without a clear cause or comes with other symptoms”.
What is tachycardia?
Tachycardia refers to an abnormally fast heart rate. It can occur in different parts of the heart and is generally classified into three main types:
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): A rapid heartbeat that starts in the upper chambers of the heart (atria).
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT): A faster-than-normal heart rate that begins in the lower chambers (ventricles) and is often more serious and potentially life-threatening.
- Sinus tachycardia: A faster heartbeat that still follows the heart’s normal rhythm. It can result from fever, dehydration, anxiety, or other non-cardiac causes.
Recognizing the symptoms
Tachycardia symptoms can vary widely, from mild to severe. The most common include:
- A racing or fluttering heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Chest pain
- Fainting or near-fainting spells
Any time you feel your heart racing along with chest discomfort, trouble breathing, or fainting, that’s a red flag,” Farjo says. “Seek medical attention right away—these could be signs of a dangerous rhythm.”
Causes and risk factors
Several factors can contribute to the development of tachycardia, including:
- Heart conditions like coronary artery disease or heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Smoking
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol
- Stress and anxiety
- Certain medications or drug use
“Tachycardia is often a symptom of something else going on,” Farjo says. “Managing underlying conditions is key to preventing episodes.”
Diagnosis and evaluation
Diagnosing tachycardia usually begins with a physical exam and a detailed health history. From there, several tests can help pinpoint the cause and type:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG), a quick, painless test that measures the heart’s electrical activity
- Holter monitor, a wearable device that tracks heart rhythms over 24 to 48 hours
- Stress test, which evaluates how the heart performs during physical activity
- Electrophysiology (EP) study, a specialized procedure that maps the heart’s electrical pathways to identify where abnormal rhythms begin
“These tools help us determine whether the tachycardia is benign or something that needs intervention,” Farjo explains.
Treatment options for tachycardia
Treatment for tachycardia depends on its type and severity. Options may include:
- Medications. Beta blockers or calcium channel blockers can help slow the heart rate. Anti-arrhythmic drugs may also be used in some cases.
- Catheter ablation. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat or cold to destroy the tissue causing the abnormal rhythm.
- Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). These devices can regulate or correct dangerous heart rhythms.
"Catheter ablation is often a good option for people with frequent episodes that aren’t well-controlled with medication or who do not want to take medication,” Farjo says. “It has a high success rate, can sometimes be curative, and is often done on an outpatient basis.”
Living with tachycardia
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes can make a big difference for people with tachycardia:
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Avoid tobacco and recreational drugs
- Get regular exercise, as approved by your doctor
- Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
- Monitor your symptoms and follow up regularly with your care team
“Stress and anxiety are big triggers for many people,” Farjo says. “We often recommend relaxation techniques and, in some cases, counseling or support groups.”
For those newly diagnosed, the outlook is often positive with the right care plan.
“It can be scary at first, but most people can manage tachycardia well and live full, active lives,” Farjo says. “The key is understanding your triggers, staying on top of your treatment, and knowing when to ask for help.”