Tachycardia: What It Is, Causes and Associated Diseases

Tachycardia refers to a condition where the heart rate exceeds the normal resting rate, typically defined as more than 100 beats per minute. This article delves into the details of tachycardia, exploring its potential causes and associated diseases.

What Is Tachycardia

Before we explore the causes and consequences of tachycardia, it is essential to define this cardiac condition accurately. Tachycardia is characterized by an abnormally fast heart rate, typically defined as exceeding 100 beats per minute in adults. This acceleration in heart rate disrupts the heart's normal rhythm, even during rest, leading to potential complications and symptoms. Individuals with tachycardia may experience a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, and fainting spells. These symptoms are indicative of the heart's reduced efficiency at pumping blood during episodes of tachycardia, which can affect overall cardiovascular health and functionality.

Common Causes of Tachycardia

Tachycardia can be triggered by a myriad of factors. Some of the most common causes include:

• Alcoholism and Binge Drinking
  Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to a variety of health issues, including an increased heart rate.
• Heat Stroke
  Overexposure to high temperatures can cause the body to overheat, leading to heat stroke, which can trigger tachycardia.
• Hyperthyroidism
  This condition, characterized by an overactive thyroid, can increase the body's metabolic rate and subsequently raise the heart rate.
• Sepsis and Septic Shock
  These severe infections can cause the body to react in ways that increase the heart rate.

Rare Causes of Tachycardia

While the above causes are relatively common, there are also less common factors that can trigger tachycardia:

• Anemia
  This condition, characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, can lead to an increased heart rate as the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the blood.
• Panic Attacks
  During a panic attack, the body's fight-or-flight response is activated, which can lead to a rapid heartbeat.
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  Exposure to this toxic gas can interfere with the body's ability to carry oxygen, leading to tachycardia.

Diseases Associated with Tachycardia

Tachycardia typically signals the presence of various underlying health issues. It is associated with a broad spectrum of medical conditions, ranging from prevalent to rare diseases.

• ‍Cardiac Conditions
  Tachycardia is commonly linked to cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure and heart attack. It may also occur during or after a cardiac arrest, where the heart suddenly stops beating.‍
• Metabolic Imbalances
  Conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes characterized by a severe imbalance in blood sugar and ketone levels, can trigger tachycardia. The body's response to the metabolic acidosis includes increasing heart rate to compensate for decreased blood pH levels.‍
• Infectious Diseases
  Tachycardia can also be a symptom in acute infectious conditions, such as sepsis, where the body has an overwhelming response to an infection. Additionally, it is seen in specific viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola, where the heart rate increases as the body attempts to maintain adequate blood circulation despite fluid losses.‍
• Neurological Disorders
  Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a neurologic disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, often presents with tachycardia. This condition primarily affects the nervous system but impacts cardiovascular function as well.‍
• Pulmonary Conditions
  Pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot blocks a vessel in the lungs, often presents with tachycardia as the heart struggles to pump blood through obstructed pulmonary arteries.