Tachycardia: Symptoms, Causes, Types, and Treatment Explained

What Is Tachycardia?

Tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats faster than normal at rest, generally exceeding 100 beats per minute in adults. It occurs when abnormal electrical signals disrupt the heart's normal rhythm, reducing the time available for the heart to fill with blood between beats. Depending on its type and cause, tachycardia may be harmless or require urgent medical treatment.

How Common Is Tachycardia?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the world's leading cause of death, includes tachycardia. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2022, an estimated 19.8 million people died from CVDs, accounting for approximately 32% of all deaths globally. Over three-quarters of such deaths are in low- and middle-income countries.

In India, CVD is a major cause of mortality, with a 2024 Indian medical camp survey reporting a prevalence of 282 deaths per 1,00,000, which is higher than the global level (233 deaths per 1,00,000). The survey further stated that out of 1500 individuals analysed, over 15% presented with tachycardia.

Overall, it has been suggested that better detection methods and early diagnosis for cardiac arrhythmias like tachycardia are needed in the country to offer timely diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Tachycardia

Tachycardia can be categorised into two groups: Those that result from an abnormal signal originating in the right or left ventricle of the heart, and those that result from an abnormal signal coming from the atria or ventricles of the heart.

What Are the Symptoms of Tachycardia?

Symptoms of tachycardia may vary, depending on the type, underlying cause, and severity of the condition. Some people may have few or no symptoms, while others may have more serious signs that require immediate medical attention.

The following table categorises the common symptoms of tachycardia into early warning signs and advanced symptoms:

Diseases Similar to Tachycardia

Tachycardia is often confused with other types of heart rhythm disorders, such as bradycardia and atrial fibrillation. Below is a comparison to help distinguish each condition:

Tachycardia Vs. Bradycardia Vs. Atrial Fibrillation

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Tachycardia?

Tachycardia occurs when the normal electrical signals of the heart are interrupted.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you have these symptoms, do not delay in seeking medical assistance:

• If the heart rate is over 100 bpm and there is no obvious explanation for it.

• Chest pain along with a fast heartbeat.

• Sudden dizziness or fainting

• Inability to breathe when resting

• Sudden onset and termination of rapid, irregular heartbeats

• Signs that persist for over a few minutes

Ventricular tachycardia is an emergency condition. If the person or the person nearby becomes unconscious or does not have a pulse, dial emergency services as soon as possible.

How Is Tachycardia Diagnosed?

A doctor will start with a physical exam and medical history. Several tests help confirm the type and cause of tachycardia, such as:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): ECG/EKG uses electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs to measure the heart's electrical activity.

• Holter Monitor: This is an ECG monitor that can be worn for 24-48 hours while you do your normal activities. It can record intermittent arrhythmia when a conventional ECG will not.

• Event Monitor: Worn for up to 30 days, the event monitor is similar to a Holter monitor. Helpful in cases of infrequent symptoms.

• Blood Tests: Ordered to exclude other causes of thyroid disorders, anaemia, electrolyte disorders, or other conditions.

• Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function.

• Electrophysiology (EP) Study: An EP study is a detailed test that maps the heart's electrical system. It is recommended in case other tests are inconclusive and also conducted prior to a procedure like catheter ablation.

Treatment Options for Tachycardia

Treatment of tachycardia will vary depending on its type, its cause, and the severity of the symptoms.

Medications Used to Treat Tachycardia

The selection of a drug depends on the type and the cause of tachycardia. The commonly prescribed medicines include:

• Beta-Blockers: These medications work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, which slows the heart rate and reduces the heart's workload.

• Calcium Channel Blockers: These help to slow down electrical signals in the heart and are useful for controlling some types of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

• Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These help restore or maintain a normal heart rhythm in people with certain types of tachycardia.

• Adenosine: Intravenous use in emergencies to restore a normal heart rhythm quickly in some episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

• Anticoagulants: These are used to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke, not to reduce the heart rate.

• Digoxin: This medicine may be used in selected patients to slow the heart rate, especially in atrial fibrillation, when the condition is associated with heart failure.

Note: The appropriate medication depends on the type of tachycardia, the cause, and the health of the patient. Medicines should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Complications of Untreated Tachycardia

Untreated tachycardia can cause complications, such as:

• Blood clots and stroke

• Heart failure

• Frequent fainting (syncope)

• Damage to the liver and kidneys (due to lack of blood flow)

• Sudden cardiac arrest

Prognosis of Tachycardia

The outlook for people with tachycardia depends on its type, its underlying cause, and when the treatment for this condition begins. Often, tachycardia can be effectively managed once the trigger (such as stress or anxiety) is addressed. Conditions like supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) can often be treated with catheter ablation.

However, more serious forms, such as ventricular tachycardia, may increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest if left untreated. With timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, regular follow-up, and healthy lifestyle changes, tachycardia patients can maintain a good quality of life.

Lifestyle Tips to Manage Tachycardia

With the proper approach, it is possible to live with tachycardia. Just develop these daily habits:

• Monitor your heart rate regularly (using a wearable device may be helpful).

• Use a symptom diary to see patterns or triggers.

• Take medications as directed; do not miss doses.

• Reduce caffeine, energy drinks, and tobacco.

• Recognise the importance of rest, as being tired can make arrhythmias harder to control.

• Follow your doctor's exercise recommendations (usually light to moderate exercise is recommended).

• Use yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises to manage stress.

• Please attend all follow-up appointments.

Tachycardia Treatment Cost in India

The cost of treatment of tachycardia in India depends on the type of tachycardia, the severity of the condition, the treatment required, the hospital and the city you are treated in. Some patients may require only medications and routine follow-up, whereas others may require procedures like catheter ablation, or implantation of a cardiac device.

The approximate treatment costs are as follows:

Does Health Insurance Cover Tachycardia in India?

Yes, tachycardia is a cardiovascular disease; health insurance policies in India generally cover its treatment if it is caused by a pre-existing disease, based on policy conditions.

Typically, health insurance plans may cover:

• Hospitalisation for the treatment of arrhythmia (in-patient)

• The cost of the treatment received prior to hospitalisation (usually within 30 days of hospitalisation)

• Costs of post-hospitalisation care (usually for up to 60 days after leaving hospital)

• Cardioversion, catheter ablation, ICD/pacemaker implantation, etc. procedures

• Ambulance charges (generally up to a fixed limit)

Check the following before buying health insurance:

• If cardiac arrhythmia is included in the covered condition list

• Waiting periods for pre-existing cardiac conditions (can be 2-4 years)

• Sub-limits on specific procedures

• Whether or not OPD consultations and medications are covered.

• Connect cashless facility in the network hospitals

How Much Health Insurance Coverage is Enough for Tachycardia?

With the average claim for heart disease in India increasing drastically from 2019 to 2024, getting enough cardiac coverage has become a necessity. For those who have a pre-existing condition, a sum of ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh is recommended, with a super top-up for extra coverage.

Remember to thoroughly read the policy document and provide any pre-existing cardiac history at the time of purchase.

*Please note: This article is for information and does not provide medical advice. Please see your trusted healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.