Dehydration – Diagnosis & treatment

Diagnosis

Your doctor can often diagnose dehydration on the basis of physical signs and symptoms. If you’re dehydrated, you’re also likely to have low blood pressure, especially when moving from a lying to a standing position, a faster than normal heart rate and reduced blood flow to your extremities.

To help confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the degree of dehydration, you may have other tests, such as:

• Blood tests. Blood samples may be used to check for a number of factors, such as the levels of your electrolytes — especially sodium and potassium — and how well your kidneys are working.
• Urinalysis. Tests done on your urine can help show whether you’re dehydrated and to what degree. They also can check for signs of a bladder infection.

More Information

Treatment

The only effective treatment for dehydration is to replace lost fluids and lost electrolytes. The best approach to dehydration treatment depends on age, the severity of dehydration and its cause.

For infants and children who have become dehydrated from diarrhea, vomiting or fever, use an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution. These solutions contain water and salts in specific proportions to replenish both fluids and electrolytes.

Start with about a teaspoon (5 milliliters) every one to five minutes and increase as tolerated. It may be easier to use a syringe for very young children. Older children can be given diluted sports drinks. Use 1 part sports drink to 1 part water.

Most adults with mild to moderate dehydration from diarrhea, vomiting or fever can improve their condition by drinking more water or other liquids. Diarrhea may be worsened by full-strength fruit juice and soft drinks.

If you work or exercise outdoors during hot or humid weather, cool water is your best bet. Sports drinks containing electrolytes and a carbohydrate solution also may be helpful.

Children and adults who are severely dehydrated should be treated by emergency personnel arriving in an ambulance or in a hospital emergency room. Salts and fluids delivered through a vein (intravenously) are absorbed quickly and speed recovery.

Preparing for your appointment

You’re likely to start by seeing your or your child’s doctor. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, the doctor may recommend urgent medical care. If you, your child or an adult who you care for is showing signs of severe dehydration, such as lethargy or reduced responsiveness, seek immediate care at a hospital.

If you have time to prepare for your appointment, here’s some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from the doctor.

What you can do

• Write down any symptoms you or the person you’re caring for is experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. If you or the person you’re caring for has been vomiting or has had diarrhea, the doctor will want to know when it began and how frequently it’s been occurring.
• Write down key personal information, including any recent trips taken or foods recently eaten that might have caused illness. In addition, your doctor will want to know if you or the person you’re caring for has recently been exposed to anyone with diarrhea.
• Make a list of key medical information, including other conditions you or the person you’re caring for is being treated for and the names of the medications being taken. Include on your list prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any vitamins and supplements.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

For dehydration, some basic questions to ask the doctor include:

• What’s causing these symptoms?
• What kinds of tests are needed?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• How soon after treatment will there be improvement?
• Are there any activity or dietary restrictions?
• Is there anything I can do to prevent a recurrence of dehydration?
• I have other health conditions. Do I need to change the treatments I’ve been using for them?
• What steps can I take to prevent dehydration from happening again?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When did the symptoms begin? What were you doing?
• Are you able to keep down any food or drink?
• How recently have you urinated? Are you experiencing any pain or urgency with urination?
• Do you also have other signs or symptoms, such as abdominal cramping, fever, headache or muscle aches? How severe are these signs and symptoms?
• Has there been blood in your stools?
• Have you recently eaten any food that you suspect was spoiled?
• Has anyone gotten sick after eating the same food that you did?
• Have you recently been exposed to someone who you know was experiencing diarrhea?
• Have you been coughing or had a runny nose?
• What medications are you currently taking?
• Have you recently traveled to another country?
• Do you know what your or your child’s weight was before symptoms started?

Can Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure?

December 21, 2021

Can Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a chronic condition where the force of your blood is higher than normal and pushes strongly against your blood vessel walls. When it’s not treated, high blood pressure can lead to other serious health problems including heart attack and stroke.

Many different factors can cause high blood pressure. It’s possible that dehydration may cause high blood pressure.

Here’s a closer look at the link between dehydration and high blood pressure, as well as signs when you should see a doctor right away.

Can Being Dehydrated Cause High Blood Pressure?

“Dehydration is a possible cause of high blood pressure,” says Dr. Jason Varghese, a family medicine physician with Healthcare Associates of Texas.

Nearly 60% of the human adult body is made up of water. Your body needs water to carry out important functions. For instance, it helps regulate body temperature and flush out waste.

Dehydration occurs when your body does not have enough fluids. It can happen after a period of heavy sweating or if you’re not drinking enough water. It can also happen if you are sick and cannot keep fluids in your body due to excessive vomiting and/or diarrhea.

How Does Dehydration Affect Blood Pressure?

Dehydration can make your blood pressure go up or down to cause high blood pressure (Hypertension) or low blood pressure (Hypotension).

Low Blood Pressure

Dehydration can cause your blood volume to decrease. Blood volume is the amount of fluid in your blood vessels. Having a normal blood volume is important because it allows your blood to reach all the tissues and organs in your body. However, a low blood volume can cause your blood pressure to drop.

If you’re dehydrated, your blood volume and blood pressure can drop too low. This can prevent your tissues and organs from getting the amount of oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy.

“When left untreated, low blood pressure can cause other issues, like heart and/or brain damage,” Dr. Varghese adds.

High Blood Pressure

When your body is dehydrated, it releases higher amounts of a chemical called vasopressin. Vasopressin helps your kidneys retain water, which can prevent you from losing more water through urination. At the same time, it causes your blood vessels to constrict, which then causes your blood pressure to increase. When this situation persists, you can develop high blood pressure.

What Are Other Symptoms of Dehydration?

“Dehydration has a lot of potential symptoms, including feeling extremely thirsty, dry mouth, darker-colored urine, and dizziness,” Dr. Varghese says.

Symptoms will usually occur before dehydration starts affecting your blood pressure.

Other symptoms of dehydration include:

• Less frequent urination
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Bad breath
• Dry skin
• Muscle cramps
• Cravings for junk foods

Drink some water if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Also, think about your recent water intake to determine whether you have been drinking enough. For example, are you having these symptoms after spending several hours in the sun? If so, it’s possible you have not been drinking enough water and may be dehydrated.

What Causes Dehydration?

Dehydration can happen for a variety of reasons. It can happen if you are sick and cannot keep fluids down for very long. It can also happen if you don’t have enough water on hand, such as during a road trip.

• Vomiting and having diarrhea, which can cause you to loose fluids
• Heavy sweating during strenuous exercising
• Fever
• Frequent urination
• Drinking beverages like coffee or alcohol, which increase urination
• Forgetting to drink water, such as when you are super busy
• Having kidney disease or uncontrolled diabetes
• Lack of access to clean drinking water

“I want to add that dehydration can occur even during cold winter months. Although you are not sweating profusely, you may become dehydrated if you don’t drink enough water which could lead to elevated or low blood pressure,” Dr. Varghese explains.

How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?

Drinking lots of water throughout the day can prevent you from becoming dehydrated and reduce your risk of getting high blood pressure. Some doctors suggest drinking about eight glasses of water a day.

“The ‘correct’ amount of water you should be drinking every day can vary per person. It depends on numerous factors such as your weight, physical activity level, etc.,” Dr. Varghese explains.

Ask your doctor about how much water you should drink every day based on your personal health situation. Your doctor can review your medical history, talk to you about your lifestyle, and make the best recommendation based on this information.

What Are Other Causes of High Blood Pressure?

Dehydration is just one possible cause of high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also be caused by certain lifestyle behaviors or by other medical conditions.

Common causes and risk factors of high blood pressure include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Eating high amounts of salt
• Lack of potassium in the diet
• Heavy alcohol use
• Stress
• Thyroid disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Tumors in the adrenal gland
• Using illicit drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine
• Using certain medications, such as birth control pills, antidepressants, and corticosteroids

“Most people don’t know when they have high blood pressure because high blood pressure doesn’t usually show any symptoms,” Dr. Varghese says.

However, some people with high blood pressure may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or bloody noses.

Doctors usually check your blood pressure during routine appointments, such as annual physicals or well-check visits. Make an appointment with your doctor if you think you may be at risk for high blood pressure. Getting your blood pressure under control can reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and dementia.

When It’s Time to See a Doctor

Visit your doctor right away if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea or vomiting that has lasted longer than 24 hours
• Rapid heart rate
• Extreme confusion
• Extreme exhaustion or fatigue
• Black or bloody stool
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Loss of conscious or passing out
• Cold, clammy skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Weak and rapid pulse

The above symptoms may indicate that you are either severely dehydrated or have low blood pressure. Your doctor can perform an evaluation and talk to you about possible treatment options.

Treating High Blood Pressure with Healthcare Associates of Texas

Healthcare Associates of Texas is home to a large team of board-certified medical professionals who can work with you to treat high blood pressure. Our doctors can talk to you in more detail about the link between dehydration and blood pressure, and what you can start doing today to improve your overall health. Click here to find your nearest location and request an appointment.

Reviewed for medical accuracy by

December 21, 2021

Dr. Jason Varghese

Dr. Varghese’s care philosophy is built around preventative medicine, patient education, and establishing a lasting relationship with his patients. He believes that every patient is special and should feel important. He wants everyone to feel part of a big family.

Dr. Varghese is a family medicine doctor in Midlothian, TX and is currently accepting new patients.

Posted in: Cardiovascular Health, Health Education

Carbonated and energy drinks (benefit? harm?)

Let’s think:

Natural carbonated water has been known since ancient times and used for medicinal purposes. Even Hippocrates in his work ordered the sick to drink it and bathe in it. In the 18th century, mineral water began to be bottled, transported and sold. However, it was very expensive and also ran out of steam quickly. Therefore, later attempts were made to artificially carbonate water. For the first time created sparkling water chemist J. Priestley in 1767. Industrial production was started by Jacob Schwell. He created an industrial plant that produces sparkling water. From 19century, he began to use ordinary baking soda and carbonated water for carbonation, which made production cheaper.

But even ordinary carbon dioxide, which is absolutely safe for humans, in combination with water is harmful to health. The fact is that the reaction of gas with water results in carbonic acid, and it, in turn, becomes a dangerous solution for the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, causes irritation and provokes inflammation. It is good that this acid quickly breaks down into components, but they accumulate in the intestines for a long time. When gas enters the intestines, this can lead to stagnation, impaired absorption and digestion of food, and pain attacks may occur. To avoid side effects, it is better to shake the soda and excess bubbles will disappear. Carbonated drinks should be completely eliminated from the diet of young children. Carbon dioxide is a preservative and is labeled as E29 on packaging.0. And if it is useful to drink mineral water, as it saturates the body with electrolytes, then the use of sweet carbonated drinks can lead to negative consequences. Sodium benzoate, which is found in carbonated drinks, is used as a preservative in foods. Sodium-based preservatives added to soda water reduce the amount of potassium in the body. Some people develop a reaction to sodium and may experience allergic reactions. The sugar and acid found in sugary sodas erode tooth enamel. When caries gets to the nerves, roots and to the base of the tooth, the tooth is destroyed. Most sugary sodas contain large amounts of high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener. This syrup has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which in turn increases the risk of getting type 2 diabetes or heart problems. Cola and sugary sodas contain high amounts of phosphoric acid, which leads to the formation of kidney stones, as well as bone problems: they become more fragile, osteoporosis can develop. Excreted from the body with urine, phosphoric acid takes with it calcium and other minerals necessary for the full functioning of the body. Cans that sell sugary sodas have a special gum coating on the inside that contains BPA (Bisphenol-A). This substance causes cancer and problems with the reproductive system: premature puberty in children and other reproductive disorders. The connection between obesity and excessive consumption of sugary carbonated drinks has long been proven by all sorts of studies and tests, the risk of getting obese increases by 1.6 times. Diabetes mellitus. Drinkers of sweet soda have an 80% increased risk of getting type 2 diabetes. After a person drinks a glass of sugary soda, blood sugar rises, and the liver processes carbohydrates into fat. Scientists even rank the addiction to carbonated drinks as one of the carcinogenic factors.

One of the most popular soft drinks is Pepsi – cola.

Pepsi-Cola was invented in 1898 by the American pharmacist Caleb Bradham from New Bern. The composition of the soda included pepsin and kola nut extract. He also attributed healing properties to soda and assured that pepsin aided digestion. Pepsi-Cola received its familiar name and wide recognition in 1903. In 1964, Pepsi launched a diet soda.

After drinking a glass of Pepsi, the following happens:

10 minutes after taking 10 teaspoons of sugar (the recommended daily dose) will hit the pancreas. You won’t feel sick just because phosphoric acid inhibits the action of sugar. After 20 minutes, there will be a rise in insulin in the blood. After 40 minutes, the liver converts sugar into fats, caffeine is absorbed, blood pressure rises, because. the liver throws more sugar into the blood, the pupils dilate. After another 45 minutes, the amount of the dopamine hormone increases, this hormone stimulates the pleasure center of the brain, mood improves, vivacity appears, drowsiness decreases, but after an hour and a half the person becomes irritable, lethargic.

Gradually, the brain adapts to its owner’s habit of drinking soda, begins to produce less of the necessary hormones, since now they can also be obtained artificially, simply by drinking cola. The work of receptors in the “reward system” is deteriorating, forcing you to drink more and more soda to achieve the same effect.

Another popular drink is Coca-Cola, which predates Pepsi. Although both drinks were invented by pharmacists as an exciting, amusing medicine that can even improve digestion. By the way, both pharmaceutical discoveries were patented. The battle between Coca Cola and Pepsi began in 1898 year. At the beginning of its century-long journey, colas had a fundamental difference: Coca-Cola included cocaine from coca leaves and caffeine from kola nut; in the manufacture of Pepsi-Cola, pepsin caffeine from kola nuts was used. The objective boundaries between drinks began to blur in 1903, when cocaine was banned from the production of Coca-Cola. The companies that produce these drinks have been waging advertising wars since time immemorial. They fight in everything: who has better taste, who has a wider line, who has a steeper bank. Pepsi emerged victorious in the 80s, when it got as close as possible to its principled opponent. “Blind tests” then showed that consumers prefer Pepsi if they try drinks from ordinary glasses and do not see the labels.

Energy drinks (“energy drinks”, “energy tonics”) are non-alcoholic or low-alcohol drinks.

Since ancient times, people have used natural stimulants. In the Middle East, it was coffee; in Southeast Asia and China – tea; in India they drank both tea and coffee; in South America – mate, in Africa – kola nuts. In the Far East, in Siberia and Mongolia, such stimulating plants as Chinese magnolia vine, eleutherococcus, ginseng, and aralia are still popular today. There were also strong stimulants – for example, ephedra – in Asia, and coca – in South America. At the same time, the harm from such drinks was minimal – largely due to the natural origin and ecological purity of the components.

Energy drinks appeared on the market in the last quarter of the 20th century, when an Austrian businessman, having visited Asia, decided to open their industrial production. The first mass-produced energy drink was Red Bull, the one that gives you wings. The new drink quickly gained popularity among consumers, along with Coca-Cola and Pepsi, whose manufacturers immediately took their bearings and launched their energy drink variants, Burn and Adrenaline Rush, on the market.

What is the use? Energy drinks allow you to quickly recharge your batteries and almost instantly get a powerful boost of energy for several hours. The benefits of drinking energy drinks seem to be significant, but at the same time, the effect is temporary – with a duration, depending on the specific composition. But every action should have a downside, and not always the same rosy and attractive. The main components of the energy elixirs of our time are:

Taurine. Synthesis of the substance occurs in the gallbladder, participating in a number of metabolic processes and improving cell nutrition. It is considered harmless in small quantities, but not in those in which it can be used as part of modern energy drinks.

Caffeine . Can be replaced by theine or mateine. It mainly serves to increase mental and physical performance, enhancing reaction and memory. At the same time, the pulse rate increases, the level of blood pressure (BP) rises, in many cases, the development of arrhythmia is possible.

Theobromine . Pretty strong stimulant.

Melatonin . Provides the level of vital activity, activity, circadian rhythm of a person.

Vitamins and glucose

Indeed, at first glance, non-alcoholic energy drinks are not so scary – most of these drinks are based on caffeine, sugar, flavors, vitamins. However, the threat is in the concentration of these substances. In one bank of energy drinks with a volume of 300 milliliters, a huge concentration of caffeine, like in seven cups of coffee, is a huge blow to the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, which does not pass without a trace. It should also be noted that energy drinks are highly carbonated drinks with carbonic acid in their composition. Thanks to it, the components that make up the drinks are absorbed much faster, and the desired effect is achieved quite quickly. By law, manufacturers indicate on labels or containers the exact composition of the drink produced, as well as the safe amount of the product for consumption.

How to use

– Do not exceed your daily dose of caffeine – about two cans of the average energy drink. Taking more than two cans in a row can harm your health, and therefore, instead of the desired effect, you will experience side effects.

– At the end of the action of the energy drink, the body needs rest to restore resources.

– Do not drink after sports – they are diuretic, resulting in dehydration and may increase blood pressure.

– Drinks should not be consumed by pregnant women, children and adolescents, the elderly, those with hypertension, diseases of the cardiovascular system, glaucoma, sleep disturbances, increased excitability and sensitivity to caffeine.

– Many drinks very calories If you use energy drinks at the gym, drink them only before your workout. If your plans include only restoring strength, and you are not going to lose weight, you can use such tonics both before and after classes.

– Do not mix tonics with alcohol (as is often done, for example, by visitors to nightclubs). Caffeine increases blood pressure, and when combined with alcohol, its effect is greatly enhanced. As a result, a person may experience a hypertensive crisis.

Health and medical experts claim that tonics are no more than fortified coffee substitutes, only more hazardous to health. So it’s up to you to decide whether to use tonics or not.

Clinical studies of the impact of energy drinks on the human body will be conducted at the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. Members of the Moscow city branch of the All-Russian public organization “Young Guard of United Russia” will act as volunteers. This decision was made during the round table “Energy Drinks: Lemonade or Poison?”, which was held in the Moscow City Duma.

Tachycardia

Tachycardia: causes, main symptoms and signs, modern methods of diagnosis and treatment

Tachycardia is an increase in heart rate, which may be a normal reaction of the body to exercise, stress, high body temperature, or is a symptom of certain diseases of the heart, lungs, thyroid gland, etc.

The main manifestations of tachycardia are: a feeling of rapid pulse, interruptions in the work of the heart, dizziness, weakness, etc. Depending on what symptoms accompany tachycardia, one can assume the cause of its occurrence.

To clarify the cause of tachycardia, the following diagnostic methods are used: electrocardiogram, ultrasound of the heart, blood test for hormones, etc.

Treatment of tachycardia depends on the cause of the tachycardia.

What is the normal heart rate?

To determine your heart rate, measure your pulse. The pulse rate should be measured within one minute, in a calm emotional and physical state, not earlier than 2 hours after the last meal, in a sitting or lying position.

The concept of a “normal” pulse is extremely individual and depends on the age of the person, his physique, body weight, physical form, type of nutrition, etc. So, in athletes, the heart rate can be up to 40 beats per minute, and this is considered a variant of the norm.

According to the American Heart Association, a normal adult heart rate is 50 to 100 beats per minute.

Thus, tachycardia is a condition when the pulse rate exceeds 100 beats per minute.

How to understand when tachycardia is normal and when it is a symptom of the disease?

In a healthy person, the heart rate may increase in various situations, for example, during physical activity (running, swimming, brisk walking, etc.), emotional stress (joy, grief, anger, etc.), when feeling pain, in stuffy rooms, etc.

So, in what cases is tachycardia not a sign of a disease?

1. Tachycardia arose after physical exertion, emotional stress, in a stuffy room. A rapid heartbeat is also observed with an increase in body temperature: as a rule, with an increase in body temperature by 1 degree, the heart rate increases by 10 beats per minute.
2. During tachycardia, a healthy person does not have symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain in the heart, dizziness, darkening of the eyes, fainting, etc.
3. Your heart rate is below the maximum for your age. In order to determine the maximum heart rate, subtract your age in years from 220 (for example, for a person 40 years old, the maximum heart rate should not exceed 180 per minute).
4. The heart rate returns to normal on its own some time after the load is removed. It takes no more than 5 minutes for a healthy person to normalize the pulse.

Symptoms and signs of tachycardia

If tachycardia is a sign of any disease, it usually causes the following symptoms:

1. Feeling of interruptions, “failures” in the work of the heart.
2. Simultaneously with tachycardia, dizziness and darkening in the eyes occur, associated with a violation of the blood supply to the brain. Sometimes tachycardia can lead to fainting.
3. Dyspnea is a feeling of shortness of breath with little exertion or at rest.
4. Pain in the chest and heart area may accompany an attack of tachycardia in some diseases (for example, with vegetative-vascular dystonia).

Causes of “abnormal” tachycardia

There are many causes of tachycardia: diseases of the heart, nervous system, endocrine system, tumors, infections, etc. The combination of tachycardia with other symptoms may presumably indicate the cause of tachycardia. However, only a general practitioner or cardiologist can clarify the diagnosis after special examinations.

Attacks of palpitations with dizziness, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, weakness, nausea and chest pain

This combination of symptoms indicates the possible presence of paroxysmal tachycardia. Paroxysmal tachycardia is a disease that is manifested by sudden attacks of rapid heartbeat. Attacks of this disease can be triggered by smoking, drinking coffee, alcohol, drugs and certain medications.

Depending on in which part of the heart a source appears that sends impulses to a frequent contraction of the heart, supraventricular (if impulses occur in the atria of the heart) and ventricular (if impulses occur in the ventricles of the heart) tachycardia are distinguished. To clarify the type of tachycardia allows electrocardiography (ECG). Clinically (that is, only on the basis of symptoms), the type of tachycardia cannot be specified.

Another cause of the above symptoms may be a violation of the rhythm of the heart – arrhythmia. There are many different types of arrhythmias, some are congenital, others are due to heart disease (eg, coronary heart disease, rheumatism, etc.)

One of the most common types of arrhythmias that cause tachycardia is atrial fibrillation, which is characterized by frequent contractions of individual groups of atrial cells and non-rhythmic frequent contractions of the ventricles. Atrial fibrillation, as a rule, develops in elderly people with coronary heart disease, but it also occurs at a young age with thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism), congenital heart defects, etc.

It is not possible to establish the cause of tachycardia or the type of arrhythmia based on symptoms alone, therefore, a specialist consultation and additional examinations are always required to clarify the diagnosis.

If tachycardia is combined with dizziness, darkening of the eyes, weakness, increased fatigue, dryness and pallor of the skin, then anemia (low red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood) is a possible cause. An increased risk of anemia is observed in women with heavy periods and in pregnant women. Another cause of these symptoms may be a malignant blood disease – leukemia. A general blood test, as a rule, allows the doctor to clarify the diagnosis.

If tachycardia occurs in the background or some time after a large blood loss, (for example, uterine bleeding, trauma, etc. ), or profuse vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration , then dehydration and a decrease in circulating blood volume are the likely cause. The main signs of dehydration are: shortness of breath, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, darkening of the eyes, thirst.

If tachycardia appeared long ago, accompanied by weight loss, excessive irritability, excitability, hand trembling, lack of menstruation in women (amenorrhea) , then a possible cause is an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism.

Tachycardia associated with frequent headache, high blood pressure, excessive sweating, trembling hands may indicate pheochromocytoma, an adrenaline-producing tumor.

Attacks of tachycardia in combination with dizziness, fear of death, panic attacks, shortness of breath, chest pain may indicate vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD). Read more about this in the article All about VVD and its treatment. It should be borne in mind that other diseases may be hidden under the signs of vegetative-vascular dystonia, for example, paroxysmal tachycardia, hyperthyroidism, etc. (see above)

Tachycardia in children

The normal heart rate in a child depends on age, body temperature, ambient temperature, sleep or wakefulness, etc. Slight fluctuations in the child’s heart rate should not cause panic in parents, as they are completely normal and indicate a good ability of the child’s heart to adapt to the changing needs of the body.

Depending on age, a child’s normal heart rate is:

In a healthy child, tachycardia is a normal reaction to physical activity (active games, running, etc. ), emotions (joy, crying), fever, pain, being in a stuffy room, etc.

The main causes of tachycardia and its manifestations in a child do not differ from those in adults.

Sinus tachycardia in a child is an increase in heart rate compared to the norm for the child’s age (see table). There are many causes of sinus tachycardia in children: high body temperature due to infectious diseases, heart disease (rheumatism), mitral valve prolapse, increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism), anemia, etc. Sinus tachycardia in children usually does not cause any symptoms and disappears after elimination of its causes.

When should I see a doctor immediately?

1. You should contact your general practitioner or cardiologist as soon as possible if:
2. One or more episodes of loss of consciousness (fainting)
3. Presence of chest pain
4. Attacks of dizziness, blackouts in the eyes
5. If palpitations appear for no apparent reason and do not go away within 5 minutes
6. If tachycardia occurs in the background of other existing heart diseases.

Detection (diagnosis) of the causes of tachycardia

If you experience tachycardia, as well as interruptions in the work of the heart, dizziness, and other symptoms described above, you should consult a general practitioner or cardiologist. The doctor will ask questions, the answers to which will help to find out the possible causes and features of the development of the disease, listen to your heart and, if necessary, prescribe additional examination methods. The main methods for identifying the causes of tachycardia are:

1. Complete blood count allows you to clarify the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin and other blood cells, which allows you to detect diseases such as anemia, leukemia, etc.
2. A blood test for thyroid hormones (thyroxine, triiodothyronine), a urine test for the presence of adrenaline breakdown products in pheochromocytoma can exclude hormonal causes of tachycardia.
3. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a method of recording the electrical impulses of the heart. Thanks to the ECG, the doctor finds out the frequency and rhythm of heart contractions, and also reveals changes characteristic of various heart diseases. ECG allows you to clarify the diagnosis of sinus (supraventricular) or ventricular tachycardia. If necessary, you will be offered bicycle ergometry – registration of the work of the heart during physical activity (work on an exercise bike).
4. Holter electrocardiogram is a recording of the work of the heart for 24 hours. Thanks to this method of examination, the doctor will be able to obtain data on how your heart works in various conditions (during sleep, during exercise, etc.)
5. Echocardiography (EchoCG, or ultrasound of the heart) allows you to evaluate the work of the heart muscle, as well as heart valves. Ultrasound of the heart can reveal various heart defects, as well as signs of chronic diseases (for example, coronary heart disease, hypertension, etc.)

Treatment of tachycardia

Based on the data obtained during the conversation, examination and additional examination, the doctor prescribes treatment.