Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Sinus Tachycardia
Sinus Tachycardia
Sinus tachycardia is a fast heartbeat. In sinus tachycardia, the heart beats more than 100 times a minute. Sinus tachycardia starts in the part of the heart called the sinoatrial (SA) node. Sinus tachycardia may be harmless, or it may be a sign of a serious condition.
What are the causes?
-
Exercise or exertion.
-
A fever.
-
Pain.
-
Loss of body fluids (dehydration).
-
Severe bleeding (haemorrhage).
-
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 (anaemia).
-
What are the signs or symptoms?
-
A feeling that the heart is beating fast or unevenly (palpitations).
-
Suddenly noticing your heartbeat (cardiac awareness).
-
Light-headedness.
-
Tiredness (fatigue).
-
Shortness of breath.
-
Chest pain.
-
Nausea.
-
Fainting.
How is this diagnosed?
-
A physical examination.
-
Tests or monitoring, 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?
-
Treating the underlying condition.
-
Taking new medicines or changing your current medicines as instructed by your healthcare provider.
-
Making changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Follow these instructions at home:
Lifestyle
-
Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your healthcare 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, including herbal stimulants that are found in energy drinks.
Alcohol use
-
Do not drink alcohol if:
-
Your healthcare 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 to:
-
0–1 drink a day for women.
-
0–2 drinks a day for men.
-
-
Know how much alcohol is in your drink.
-
General instructions
-
Drink enough fluids to keep your urine pale yellow.
-
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your healthcare provider.
-
Ask your healthcare provider about taking vitamins, herbal medicines, and supplements.
Contact a healthcare provider if:
- You have vomiting or diarrhoea that does not go away.
- You have a fever.
- You have weakness or dizziness.
- You feel faint.
Get help right away if:
-
You have pain in your chest, upper arms, jaw, or neck.
-
You 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.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
