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What is Sinus Tachycardia?
Sinus tachycardia is a kind of fast heartbeat. In sinus tachycardia, the heart beats more than 100 times a minute. Sinus tachycardia starts in a part of the heart called the sinus node. Sinus tachycardia may be harmless, or it may be a sign of a serious condition.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
- Exercise or exertion.
- A fever.
- Pain.
- Loss of body fluids (dehydration).
- Severe bleeding (hemorrhage).
- Anxiety and stress.
- Certain substances, including:
- Alcohol.
- Caffeine.
- Tobacco and nicotine products.
- Cold medicines.
- Illegal drugs.
- Medical conditions including:
- Heart disease.
- An infection.
- An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
- A lack of red blood cells (anemia).
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- A feeling that the heart is beating quickly (palpitations).
- Suddenly noticing your heartbeat (cardiac awareness).
- Dizziness.
- Tiredness (fatigue).
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Nausea.
- Fainting.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with:
- A physical exam.
- Other tests, such as:
- Blood tests.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG). This test measures the electrical activity of the heart.
- Ambulatory cardiac monitor. This records your heartbeats for 24 hours or more.
You may be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist).
How is this treated?
Treatment for this condition depends on the cause or the underlying condition. Treatment may involve:
- Treating the underlying condition.
- Taking new medicines or changing your current medicines as told by your health care provider.
- Making changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Follow these instructions at home:
Lifestyle
- Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
- Do not use illegal drugs, such as cocaine.
- Learn relaxation methods to help you when you get stressed or anxious. These include deep breathing.
- Avoid caffeine or other stimulants.
Alcohol use
- Do not drink alcohol
if:
- Your health care provider tells you not to drink.
- You are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant.
- If you drink alcohol, limit how much you have:
- 0–1 drink a day for women.
- 0–2 drinks a day for men.
- Be aware of how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one typical bottle of beer (12 oz), one-half glass of wine (5 oz), or one shot of hard liquor (1½ oz).
General instructions
- Drink enough fluids to keep your urine pale yellow.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if you have:
- A fever.
- Vomiting or diarrhea that does not go away.
Get help right away if you:
- Have pain in your chest, upper arms, jaw, or neck.
- Become weak or dizzy.
- Feel faint.
- Have palpitations that do not go away.
Summary
- In sinus tachycardia, the heart beats more than 100 times a minute.
- Sinus tachycardia may be harmless, or it may be a sign of a serious condition.
- Treatment for this condition depends on the cause or the underlying condition.
- Get help right away if you have pain in your chest, upper arms, jaw, or neck.