Taquicàrdies

Taquicàrdies, often translated as tachycardia, refers to a heart rate that is faster than normal. In adults, a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute is generally considered tachycardia. This condition can affect individuals of any age and is a common finding.

The causes of tachycardia are diverse and can range from benign physiological responses to serious underlying medical conditions. For instance, exercise, stress, fever, and certain medications can temporarily increase heart rate. However, persistent or pathological tachycardia can be indicative of problems such as anemia, hyperthyroidism, electrolyte imbalances, or heart disease. Arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms, are a significant cause of tachycardia, including supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) originating above the ventricles and ventricular tachycardias (VT) originating in the ventricles.

Symptoms associated with tachycardia can vary. Some individuals may experience no noticeable symptoms, while others might feel palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or even fainting. The severity of symptoms often depends on the underlying cause and how rapidly the heart rate is beating.

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the heart's electrical activity. Further tests may be necessary to identify the specific type of tachycardia and its cause. Treatment strategies are tailored to the individual and the underlying etiology. They can include lifestyle modifications, medication to control heart rate or rhythm, and in some cases, procedures like cardioversion or ablation.