Sinus Tachycardia

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.
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