Tachycardia describes when the heart beats faster than normal. Sinus rhythm with tachycardia occurs when the sinus node fires electrical impulses abnormally quickly.
People can have either normal or inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Normal sinus tachycardia refers to a physiological increased heart rate that occurs in response to specific factors, such as stress, exercise, pain, or a fever.
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia has no known cause. People who experience it may have an increased heart rate all of the time, even at rest.
This article discusses sinus tachycardia, including its symptoms, types, causes, and treatment options.
Sinus tachycardia refers to an increased heart rate that exceeds
These cells act as the natural pacemaker of the heart by sending electrical impulses to the surrounding tissue. These impulses cause the heart to contract.
A properly functioning sinus node regulates the rhythm and speed of a person’s heart. According to the American Heart Association, a typical heart rate should fall within
People can develop sinus tachycardia for different reasons. The underlying cause will determine the likely outcome of a person with this condition.
Types of sinus tachycardia include normal and inappropriate sinus tachycardia.
Normal sinus tachycardia
Normal sinus tachycardia involves a known cause for the increase in heartbeat rate.
Causes of normal sinus tachycardia
- stress
- pain
- anxiety
- exercise
- stopping alcohol consumption
- low blood sugar levels
- dehydration
- use of stimulants, such as caffeine
The causes of normal sinus tachycardia might be part of a person’s everyday life, although a person experiencing anxiety symptoms may wish to contact a doctor.
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) occurs due to unknown reasons. IST can cause a faster heart rate for a person even when they are at rest.
According to the authors of a
The main differences between IST and normal sinus tachycardia are that IST typically does not have a known cause, and IST occurs when at rest or when the heart responds disproportionately to movement.
Sinus tachycardia occurs when the heart rate is above
In addition to a fast heart rate, people with sinus tachycardia may experience the following symptoms:
- abnormally strong or forceful heartbeats
- an irregular heartbeat
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness
- fainting
- chest pain
- anxiety
- change in blood pressure
Most of the time, sinus tachycardia is a normal response of the cardiovascular system to triggers that increase the heart rate. Normal sinus tachycardia may occur as part of the body’s response to certain circumstances, such as intense physical activity or emotional distress.
During exercise, the heart rate typically increases as it needs to pump more oxygen to the muscles.
Emotional stress or anxiety can trigger an increase in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and epinephrine, which make the heart beat faster.
Other potential causes of normal sinus tachycardia
- stimulants, such as nicotine or caffeine
- alcohol
- anxiety
- stress
- low blood pressure
- infection
Less common causes of sinus tachycardia
- damage to cardiac tissue
- thyroid problems
- anemia
IST typically occurs without a known cause.
A doctor can diagnose sinus tachycardia by reviewing a person’s medical history, performing a physical examination, and carrying out other medical tests.
Other tests that a doctor can use to diagnose sinus tachycardia include:
If a doctor needs more information about how a person’s heart functions, they may ask the individual to use a wearable medical device called a Holter monitor for at least 24 hours.
The basic diagnostic criteria for IST
Treatments for sinus tachycardia vary depending on the underlying cause but usually involve a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and, in very rare instances, surgery.
Doctors address the underlying cause or condition when treating normal sinus tachycardia and do not often treat the tachycardia itself. Treating IST
Treatments for sinus tachycardia may include:
- reducing caffeine intake
- quitting smoking and avoiding other sources of nicotine
- exercising regularly
- drinking enough water
- consuming less than
2,300 milligrams of sodium per day
Sinus tachycardia is usually a benign condition, but it can weaken the heart over time if it is persistent. Doctors refer to this as tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.
Medication
Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe medications, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or ivabradine to reduce the heart rate and treat symptoms.
For example, research from
Catheter ablation
A doctor
Catheter ablation delivers heat to the portions of heart tissue that cause rapid or irregular heartbeats. This procedure can help return the heart rate to normal. However, every procedure has complications, and people may still experience recurring tachycardia after catheter ablation.
People can discuss the risks and benefits of catheter ablation with a doctor.
Tachycardia occurs when the heart beats more than 100 times per minute, whether at rest or with exercise. People develop sinus tachycardia when the sinus node in the heart sends electrical impulses more quickly than normal.
It can occur as a result of a particular trigger, such as exercise, caffeine, or stress. However, sinus tachycardia without a physiologic trigger can result from an arrhythmia called inappropriate sinus tachycardia.
Treatments for sinus tachycardia focus on lowering the heart rate to normal by treating the underlying cause, such as infection or low blood pressure. Doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes, medications, and medical procedures, such as catheter ablation.
People with sinus tachycardia can learn more about their treatment options by speaking with a doctor. A doctor can offer advice on ways to improve overall cardiovascular health to lower the resting heart rate.