Tachycardia - Rapid Heartbeat

A rapid heartbeat is defined as a heart rate that is faster than normal. The heart normally beats fewer than 100 times per minute in adults. In children, the heart can beat slightly faster than 100 times per minute and still be considered normal.

What is going on in the body?

At rest, a person's heart rate usually stays within a standard range. This range is usually 50 to 100 times per minute in adults and slightly faster in children. With increased physical activity, stress, or other conditions, however, the heart rate may increase above the normal level.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many possible causes of a rapid heartbeat, including:

Other causes are possible. Sometimes, no cause can be found.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

A person with a rapid heartbeat may have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

How is the condition diagnosed?

The speed of the heartbeat usually can be measured by checking the pulse or listening to the heartbeat with a stethoscope. A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart, called an electrocardiogram or ECG, can also be used to measure the heart rate.

Diagnosis of the cause starts with a history and physical exam. The healthcare provider may order tests such as:

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is related to the cause. Many cases cannot be prevented. In most people, regular exercise is advised even though it causes a rapid heartbeat. In this case, prevention is not an issue. Avoidance of cocaine or alcohol can prevent cases from these drugs. Getting enough fluids can prevent many cases due to dehydration.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

If the heart beats too quickly, it may not be able to pump blood well enough to keep a person alive. Most long-term effects are related to the cause. For example, rapid heartbeat due to anxiety or exercise often goes away quickly and has no long-term effects. Rapid heartbeat due to an arrhythmia or sepsis may sometimes result in death.

What are the risks to others?

A rapid heartbeat is not contagious and poses no risks to others. If the cause of the rapid heartbeat is an infection, the infection may be contagious.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment is directed at the cause. For example, someone who is dehydrated can be given fluids. A person with a fever may be given acetaminophen. Someone with an infection may need antibiotics or surgery. An individual with an arrhythmia may need heart medications to slow the heart rate, such as atenolol or lidocaine.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Potential side effects depend on the treatments used. For example, antibiotics may cause allergic reactions or stomach upset. Surgery can result in infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction to the anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

The heartbeat usually returns to normal after treatment of the cause. For example, when fever, infection, or pain are the cause, no further treatment for the rapid heartbeat is needed if these condition go away. Someone with congestive heart failure or diabetes, however, often needs lifelong treatment and monitoring.

How is the condition monitored?

The speed of the heartbeat can be monitored closely if needed. This is done with special equipment that measures the electrical activity in the heart. Other monitoring is related to the cause. For example, those with a heart attack may need close monitoring in the intensive care unit.

Author:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Slon, Stephanie, BA
Edit Date:07/18/00
Reviewer:Melissa Sanders, PharmD
Date Reviewed:07/27/01

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