Tachycardia in medicine is usually called a patient's rapid heartbeat. This condition is caused by both physiological reasons (loads, stress, etc.) and pathological ones. The latter is suspected if tachycardia occurs regularly at rest. And to determine the pathological tachycardia, a special examination allows. On its basis, an adequate corrective treatment plan is drawn up.
So let's take a closer look at the question. The rhythm of the heart is regulated by the sinus node, which responds to internal and external stimuli. That is why the heartbeat increases during stressful situations, temperature changes or during physical exertion. Also, a change in heart rate (HR) can be observed in various pathological conditions, including blood loss.
Norm and pathology
The norm for an adult is a heart rate of 60-80 beats per minute at rest. You can talk about tachycardia when the heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute. If this happens often / regularly, we can talk about oxygen starvation and imminent wear and tear of the heart muscle.
All this is accompanied by weakness, fainting.
Two types of pathological tachycardia
There are two types of pathological tachycardia - paroxysmal (1) and sinus (2).
The second (2) type of violation occurs when:
- infectious infection, poisoning;
- deficiency of potassium and / or magnesium in the body;
- insomnia;
- overwork;
- blood loss;
- thyrotoxicosis;
- oxygen starvation;
- cardiac pathologies;
- tumors of the adrenal glands;
- prolonged stress, depression.
In this case, the treatment of tachycardia is prescribed with the use of sedatives. In addition, the patient should establish a sleep / work / daytime rest, treat the underlying disease.
As for paroxysmal tachycardia (1), it, being "ventricular", develops against the background of:
- atrophy of the heart muscle;
- heart attack;
- sclerosis;
scarring;
- myocarditis;
- or ischemic heart disease.
If the violation of the heart rhythm occurs against the background of violations of the functionality of the nervous system, they speak of "non-ventricular" paroxysmal tachycardia.
Dangerous symptoms
The following signs indicate tachycardia:
- shortness of breath against the background of rest;
- heartache;
- dizziness;
- darkness in the eyes;
- fainting or light-headedness.
If one or more of the above symptoms are observed, you should immediately seek medical attention.
First aid
First aid for a patient with tachycardia (even before the ambulance arrives) includes the following actions:
- release of the victim's chest from constricting clothing items;
- ensuring the flow of fresh air;
- application of a cold compress to the patient's forehead;
- rubbing the face with cold water.
Experts consider paroxysmal tachycardia to be more dangerous than sinus. And it requires exceptionally emergency medical care, as a result of which antiarrhythmic drugs are administered to the patient. And in especially severe cases, even shock therapy is necessary.
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