tachykardian

Tachykardian is an adjective relating to tachycardia, an abnormally fast heart rate. Derived from tachys (fast) and kardia (heart) with the English suffix -ian. The term tachykardian is uncommon in modern English medical usage; tachycardic or tachycardia are preferred.

A tachykardian state describes a condition where heart rate is elevated beyond normal resting values, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults. It can be physiological, such as during exercise or fever, or pathological, signaling underlying disease or arrhythmia.

Causes include physiologic (exercise, anxiety, heat), medical (hyperthyroidism, anemia, dehydration), or cardiac rhythm disturbances such as sinus tachycardia, paroxysmal or sustained supraventricular tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia. Some medications or substances (caffeine, stimulants, some antiarrhythmics) can provoke tachykardian states.

Diagnosis involves clinical assessment and electrocardiography (ECG); extended monitoring (Holter, event monitor) may be used to capture intermittent episodes. Laboratory tests may assess thyroid function, hemoglobin, electrolytes, and other cardiac risk factors.

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and controlling heart rate. Acute management of symptomatic tachykardian episodes may include vagal maneuvers, adenosine for certain SVTs, and rate-control drugs such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. Unstable arrhythmias or certain types may require electrical cardioversion or emergency interventions; long-term strategies depend on the specific arrhythmia and comorbidities.

Prognosis varies with cause and rhythm type; some episodes are benign, others increase risk of stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death if untreated. Because tachykardian is a nonstandard term, clinicians typically prefer tachycardia terminology for clarity.