List of Drugs that may cause Palpitations

Albuterol (Salbutamol)

Most Common: Tremor, anxiety, headache, muscle cramps, dry mouth, and palpitations

Amlodipine

Most Common:

Dizziness, palpitations, flushing and fluid retention

Amlodipine and Enalapril

Most Common:

Dizziness, palpitations, flushing and fluid retention

Amlodipine and Olmesartan

Most Common:

Low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, rash, palpitations, urinary frequency and nighttime urination

Anagrelide

Most Common:

Headache, palpitations, diarrhea, weakness, fluid retention, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, flatulence, vomiting, fever, swelling in the extremities, rash, hives, chest pain, loss of appetite, fast heart rate, inflammation of pharynx, uneasiness, tingling, back pain, itching and indigestion

Antivenom

Most Common:

Headache, palpitations, diarrhea, weakness, fluid retention, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, flatulence, vomiting, fever, swelling in the extremities, rash, hives, chest pain, loss of appetite, fast heart rate, inflammation of pharynx, uneasiness, tingling, back pain, itching and indigestion

Armodafinil

Most Common:

Headache, palpitations, diarrhea, weakness, fluid retention, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, flatulence, vomiting, fever, swelling in the extremities, rash, hives, chest pain, loss of appetite, fast heart rate, inflammation of pharynx, uneasiness, tingling, back pain, itching and indigestion

Astemizole

Most Common:


Palpitations, low blood pressure and dizziness

Atomoxetine

Most Common:


Palpitations, low blood pressure and dizziness

Bambuterol

Most Common:

Tremor, nervousness, tension, headache and palpitations

Belladona/Ergotamine/Phenobarbital

Most Common:

Tremor, nervousness, tension, headache and palpitations

Belladonna Alkaloid Combinations and Phenobarbital

Most Common:

Tremor, nervousness, tension, headache and palpitations

Benidipine

Most Common:

Tremor, nervousness, tension, headache and palpitations

Benzphetamine

Most Common:

Tremor, nervousness, tension, headache and palpitations

Buprenorphine and Naloxone

Most Common:


Constipation, swollen tongue, vomiting, intoxication, attention deficiency, palpitations, sleeplessness, withdrawal syndrome, acidity and blurred vision

Buserelin

Most Common:


Constipation, swollen tongue, vomiting, intoxication, attention deficiency, palpitations, sleeplessness, withdrawal syndrome, acidity and blurred vision

Cyclobenzaprine

Most Common:

Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, abnormal taste, palpitations, tremor, dry throat, pimples, attention disturbances, sleeplessness, fatigue, constipation and indigestion

Cyproheptadine

Most Common:

Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, abnormal taste, palpitations, tremor, dry throat, pimples, attention disturbances, sleeplessness, fatigue, constipation and indigestion

Ephedrine

Most Common:

Nervousness, sleeplessness, fainting, headache, fast heart rate, palpitations and sweating

Epinephrine

Most Common: Tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, lung swelling, fast heart rate, transient, moderate anxiety, apprehensiveness,restlessness, pallor, nausea, vomiting, headache, and/or respiratory difficulties

Epinephrine/ Chlorpheniramine

Most Common: Tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, lung swelling, fast heart rate, transient, moderate anxiety, apprehensiveness,restlessness, pallor, nausea, vomiting, headache, and/or respiratory difficulties

Methylphenidate

Most Common:

Nervousness, difficulty in sleeping, skin rash, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, palpitations, fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising

Metolazone

Most Common:

Nervousness, difficulty in sleeping, skin rash, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, palpitations, fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising

Metoprolol

Most Common:

Nervousness, difficulty in sleeping, skin rash, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, palpitations, fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising

Mexiletine

Most Common:

Nervousness, difficulty in sleeping, skin rash, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, palpitations, fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising

Milnacipran Hcl

Most Common:

Nervousness, difficulty in sleeping, skin rash, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, palpitations, fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising

Moricizine

Most Common:
Dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, palpitations, difficulty in breathing, congestive heart failure, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, dry mouth and death

Niacin Er and Simvastatin

Most Common:

Dizziness, fainting, fast heart rate, palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, burning sensation, chills, fluid retention

Niacin Extended Release and Lovastatin

Most Common:


Dizziness, fainting, fast heart rate, palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, burning sensation, chills, and/or edema

Oprelvekin

Most Common:


Fluid retention, difficulty in breathing, fast heart rate, palpitations, abnormal heart rhythm, and lung infection

Prazosin

Most Common:


Dizziness, headache, drowsiness, lack of energy, weakness, palpitations and nausea

Procaine- Penicillin

Most Common:


Dizziness, headache, drowsiness, lack of energy, weakness, palpitations and nausea

Propafenone

Most Common:
Dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, taste disturbance, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, nausea, constipation, anxiety, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, first-degree heart block, and vomiting

Propantheline

Most Common:
Dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, taste disturbance, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, nausea, constipation, anxiety, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, first-degree heart block, and vomiting

Protriptyline Hydrochloride

Most Common:
Dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, taste disturbance, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, nausea, constipation, anxiety, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, first-degree heart block, and vomiting

Pseudoephedrine

Most Common:
Dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, taste disturbance, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, nausea, constipation, anxiety, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, first-degree heart block, and vomiting

Quetiapine

Most Common:
Dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, taste disturbance, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, nausea, constipation, anxiety, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, first-degree heart block, and vomiting

Sodium Nitroprusside

Most Common:


Abdominal pain, apprehension, diaphoresis, dizziness, headache, muscle twitching, nausea, palpitations, restlessness and retching

Terazosin

Most Common: Drowsiness, headache, weakness, palpitations, stuffy nose, blurred vision and decreased sexual ability

Terbutaline

Most Common: Drowsiness, headache, weakness, palpitations, stuffy nose, blurred vision and decreased sexual ability

Drug-Induced Arrhythmias: Drugs That Causes Arrhythmia

There are many commonly used medications that can cause a variety of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). These drug-induced arrhythmias are often the result of medication-induced changes in electrical conduction within the heart which can produce heart rhythms that are too fast (tachyarrhythmias) or too slow (bradyarrhythmias). Common drugs that may cause arrhythmias include certain antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, antidepressants, anticancer treatments, neurologic drugs and stimulants. 

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that is frequently treated with antiarrhythmics. Sometimes atrial fibrillation medications that are used to restore a normal heart rhythm can have the unintended effect of causing arrhythmia and are therefore monitored closely.  

What medications can produce arrhythmias?

Electrical signals which travel throughout the heart cause the muscle cells to contract and produce a heart beat. Medications that change the way electrical signals travel or which change the way the heart muscle cells respond to electrical signals can produce arrhythmias. The medications that are the most likely to cause arrhythmias are the ones that are designed to treat abnormal heart rhythm issues (antiarrhythmic medications). 

Tachyarrhythmias 

Common drug-induced tachyarrhythmias include: 

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and atrial flutter
• Atrial tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia 
• Ventricular tachycardia. Fast abnormal heart rhythm that originates in the lower heart chambers (ventricles). It causes the heart to pump less effectively and can lead to serious complications, like ventricular fibrillation. 
• Torsades de pointes. Medications that slow electrical conduction can cause QT prolongation which can lead to a serious tachyarrhythmia called torsades de pointes.   

Drugs that can cause atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are reviewed later in this article. Some frequently prescribed medications that have been associated with ventricular tachycardia or QT prolongation include:

• Ventricular Tachycardia.  Ginkgo biloba, cocaine, and methamphetamine have been associated with ventricular tachycardia. In addition, certain antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, anticancer drugs, and some psychiatric drugs have the potential to contribute to ventricular tachycardia. 
• Torsades de Pointes.  It is well-known that some antiarrhythmics, particularly dofetilide and sotalol, can lead to QT prolongation and Torsades de pointes. Therefore, patients starting these medications are monitored closely and are often admitted to the hospital for a few days so their heart can be monitored for QT prolongation. There are to other, non-cardiac, medications that can cause QT prolongation including:

• Antibiotics. Some antibiotics that are commonly used for pneumonia, bronchitis, and urinary tract infections can cause QT prolongation. These include: Azithromycin (Zithromax, Z Pak), clarithromycin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and levofloxacin (levaquin).  

• Antimalarials. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can cause QT prolongation. 

• Antifungal. Fluconazole

• Cocaine

At one stage during the COVID-19 pandemic, QT prolongation became an issue when caring for hospitalized COVID-19 patients because they were often given multiple medications which had an additive effect in prolonging the QT interval. 

Bradyarrhythmias

Common drug-induced bradyarrhythmias include: 

• Sinus bradycardia. Heart rate less than 60 beats per minute.
• Heart block. An abnormal heart rhythm in which communication between the upper heart chambers (atria) and lower heart chambers (ventricles) is slowed or blocked altogether. 
• Sinus arrest. The heart’s internal pacemaker (sinus node) stops producing electrical signals.

Some frequently prescribed medications that can cause bradyarrhythmias include:

• Antiarrhythmic medications. Although not solely used to treat AFib, these are commonly used atrial fibrillation medications. The purpose of antiarrhythmics is to change conduction in the heart in an effort to maintain a normal heart rhythm. Frequently used antiarrhythmics that can cause bradyarrhythmias include: 
  • • Amiodarone
    • Dronedarone
    • Flecainide
    • Ivabradine
    • Propafeneone
    • Sotalol
• Other heart medications.
  • • Digoxin
    • Beta-blockers

Calcium channel blockers 

• Antidepressants.

• • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Anticancer medication. Thalidomide

The medications should be used with caution in patients with a known history of bradyarrhythmia. If you have a history of abnormally slow heart rate and one of these medications is needed, your doctor will closely monitor your heart rate and rhythm to make sure the medication is not making the bradyarrhythmia worse. If multiple medications that can potentially slow electrical conduction in the heart are necessary, close follow up will be needed even if you do not have a history of bradyarrhythmia, because these medications can have an additive effect when used together.  

Why do beta-blockers cause arrhythmias?

Beta-blockers slow the automatic functioning of the sinus node (the heart’s internal pacemaker) and can cause bradyarrhythmia. If you are taking a beta-blocker and develop symptomatic bradycardia, you may develop symptoms like: 

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness/lightheadedness
• Passing out (syncope)

Can metoprolol be used for atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation with uncontrolled fast heart rates can cause debilitating symptoms and  increases the risk of developing heart failure. Metoprolol is a kind of beta-blocker and it is commonly used to provide heart rate control for people with atrial fibrillation. However, as discussed above, beta-blockers can sometimes cause the heart rate to slow down too much. If symptomatic bradycardia develops, it may mean that the medication dose needs to be decreased or perhaps needs to be stopped altogether.  

However, this may not always be an option. For example, a patient with AFib may need metoprolol to slow the fast heart rate associated with an atrial fibrillation attack. But this can become an issue if the metoprolol causes symptomatic bradycardia when the patient is not in AFib. In a situation like this, a permanent pacemaker may be needed. The pacemaker prevents the heart rate from getting too low which enables the patient to take the metoprolol that is needed to treat the high heart rate seen with AFib without developing a dangerously low heart rate when in a normal rhythm.  

What medications should be avoided with atrial fibrillation?

Medications that can cause or worsen atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter include: 

• • Antiarrhythmic medications. These medications are used to treat atrial fibrillation but in rare cases can actually make the abnormal heart rhythm worse.
    • Amiodarone. This medication can cause an overproduction of thyroid hormone which can cause AFib/atrial flutter. Thyroid function is monitored on patients taking this medication. 
    • Flecainide and Propafenone. These medications can change conduction in the atria which can worsen AFib/flutter. Taking these medications with a beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker decreases this risk.  
  • Antidepressant. There have been case reports of AFib in association with a patient taking fluoxetine. There are many excellent antidepressants available so it would be reasonable for a patient with AFib to take a different antidepressant. 
  • Anticancer agents. Many cancer drugs can cause atrial fibrillation. If a cancer drug is the suspected cause for a person’s AFib, a different cancer drug may be tried, or a decision may be made to continue the cancer treatment and treat the AFib.     
  • Osteoporosis medications. Alendronate (Fosamax) and Zoledronic acid (Reclast) may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation although research into an association between these medications and AFib has been conflicting. 

• Asthma or COPD medications. Bronchodilators (i.e. albuterol, ipratropium bromide) are medications that open the airways and are a mainstay in asthma and COPD management. They are known heart stimulants which can lead to AFib. 

• Antipsychotics. Medications used to treat psychiatric disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia can cause AFib. These medications include: 

• Phenothiazines like: chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine 

• Clozapine

• Olanzapine

• Risperidone

• Quetiapine

• Alcohol. Alcohol is a known heart irritant and is a common trigger for AFib. 

• Cannabis. There have been case reports of AFib associated with cannabis (marijuana) use. 

• Street drugs. Cocaine, MDMA/ecstasy, and methamphetamine are all stimulants which can cause AFib. 

• Caffeine. Although caffeine is a known stimulant, the research regarding caffeine and AFib has been conflicting with some studies finding a relationship and others finding no association. 

Why is aspirin not recommended for atrial fibrillation?

People with atrial fibrillation have a 5 times increased risk of stroke. This is because AFib causes a chaotic, irregular heartbeat that makes the heart work less effectively and increases the likelihood that blood will pool in the heart. When blood pools it is more likely to form a clot, which can be pumped out of the heart and carried to the brain where it can cause a stroke. Certain conditions increase the risk of a patient with AFib having a stroke, including: 

• High blood pressure
• Advancing age
• History of arterial blockages, heart attack, or heart failure
• History of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or blood clots
• Diabetes
• Female gender

Blood thinners are the most common and effective medications used to reduce the risk of stroke. Aspirin is not a blood thinner. Although it does make your platelets less sticky and less likely to clot, it is not effective enough at preventing blood clots, and subsequent strokes, to be recommended for patients with AFib. For example, if you have AFib and stroke risk factors that give you a 10% chance of having a stroke, taking aspirin only decreases the risk to 8%, whereas a blood thinner reduces the risk of stroke to 3.5%.  

What is the safest blood thinner for AFib?

There are two main types of blood thinners: warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Examples of DOACs are apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), and dabigatran (Pradaxa). Warfarin has been used for decades and, when monitored closely, it can be safe and effective at preventing strokes. However, DOACs are increasingly the preferred blood thinner for patients with AFib. There are several reasons for this, including: 

• No monitoring needed. Warfarin levels are monitored closely using a simple blood test. This increases cost and is less convenient for patients. 
• Not affected by diet or medications. The reason warfarin levels are monitored is because warfarin activity can be affected by certain foods, medications, alcohol, herbal supplements and vitamins. DOACs are not affected by these things and therefore frequent labs are not required with these medications. 
• Decreased risk of dementia. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reported that patients who took DOACs had a 50% lower risk of dementia compared to patients who took warfarin.  

Sources

Tisdale TE, Chung MK, Campbell KB, et al. Drug-induced arrhythmias: a scientific statement from the american heart association. Circulation. 2020;142:e214–e233

Bezabhe WM, Bereznicki LR, et al. Oral anticoagulant treatment and the risk of dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation: a population‐based cohort study. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022;11:e023098

first aid, treatment and prevention

Tachycardia can be a symptom of a serious heart disease, so timely first aid is necessary to save lives. How to act with an increase in heart rate, when to call a doctor and how to prevent heart palpitations, we tell in the article.

First aid for tachycardia

The normal heart rate (HR) in an adult healthy person is 60-80 beats per minute. To calculate the heart rate, you need to put the index and middle fingers of one hand on the wrist of the other and count the pulse rate for 15 seconds, and then multiply the resulting number by 4.

If the heartbeat exceeds 90 beats, tachycardia begins. However, not every attack requires a doctor’s call. For example, the physiological (natural) causes of increased heart rate go away on their own if the provoking factor is eliminated – reduce physical activity, stabilize the emotional state, stop smoking, etc.

Pathological variants of tachycardia begin for no apparent reason and are accompanied by symptoms of oxygen starvation, a decrease in blood pressure and a feeling of fear. This condition may stop on its own, however, in some cases, an attack of tachycardia occurs due to a serious pathology (heart or respiratory failure, hypertensive crisis). And then they will be able to adjust the rhythm of the heart only in the hospital.

Violation of the normal heart rate (HR) can lead to such serious complications as:

• heart attack;

• stroke;

• acute heart failure;

• thrombophlebitis;

• injuries resulting from fainting.

An attack of tachycardia for no apparent reason requires a visit to the doctor, even if the episode of heart palpitations has passed on its own

What to do during a tachycardia attack

• 1

  Assume a horizontal position. This will take the load off the heart and blood vessels.

• 2

  Loosen chest and neck – unbutton buttons, loosen collar, remove tie. Tight clothing restricts breathing, so its pressure must be relieved.

• 3

  Place a pillow under your neck. Throwing the head back can cause circulatory disorders, which is unacceptable in conditions of tachycardia.

• 4

  Supply fresh air. With an increase in heart rate, the body experiences oxygen starvation, so an open window can alleviate the condition.

• 5

  Drink a glass of cold water in small sips. Hot drinks, coffee or strong tea are prohibited, and cold water must not be poured over.

• 6

  Cool the face – for example, place a towel soaked in cold water on the forehead and temple areas.

• 7

  Perform breathing exercises. A cycle of repetitions of slow, deep breaths, holding your breath for 5 to 8 seconds, and slow exhalations can slow your heart rate.

• 8

  If signs of panic appear, a sedative should be taken.

• 9

  If this is not the first episode of tachycardia, you should take antiarrhythmic drugs prescribed by your doctor.

With tachycardia at a young age, massage of the neck and neck is acceptable. This method is contraindicated for the elderly due to the high risk of heart attack and stroke.

When to call the doctor

If the tachycardia is caused by a serious heart condition, the first aid measures described above may not be enough. If the tachycardia does not go away within 15-20 minutes, especially while taking antiarrhythmic drugs, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Other reasons to call a doctor

• The heart rate is 120 beats per minute or more.

• Intense pain behind the sternum, which is accompanied by pallor, sweating, fear of death and a burning sensation in the left arm, lower jaw or abdomen.

• Tachycardia is accompanied by a severe headache and a feeling of numbness of the limbs or half of the face.

• The attack happened during pregnancy.

Tachycardia prophylaxis

Since tachycardia itself is not a disease, there is no specific prevention of this condition. Primary preventive measures are to maintain a healthy lifestyle, daily routine and good rest – that is, the same as in the prevention of any heart failure.

Secondary preventive measures, which should be followed in case of already established heart pathology, imply a more serious lifestyle correction, drug therapy prescribed by a doctor (if necessary, and surgical interventions), as well as regular medical examination.

types, causes, hazards and risk factors

The adult heart beats at a rate of 60-80 beats per minute. This is the optimal value for maintaining the vital activity of the body. When the heartbeat is very fast, tachycardia sets in – a condition that is dangerous to health and life. What types of tachycardia are, what is the reason for their occurrence, and also what consequences such attacks can have – we tell in the article.

What is tachycardia

Tachycardia, or acceleration of the heartbeat – an increase in heart rate (HR) more than 100 beats per minute. At the same time, tachycardia itself is not an independent disease, but a symptom of certain diseases or conditions related to arrhythmias. At the same time, tachycardia can lead to serious consequences – both with periodic attacks and with constant presence.

Causes of tachycardia

The causes of increased heart rate are divided into two large groups: cardiac (intracardiac), in which rhythm disturbance occurs due to a problem in the heart, and extracardiac (extracardiac), in which the main problem is outside the heart.

Cardiac causes of tachycardia:

• heart failure;

• myocardial infarction;

• unstable angina;

• anatomical (congenital) heart defects – mitral stenosis, aortic stenosis;

• cardiosclerosis – pathological widespread growth in the myocardium of connective tissue;

• cardiomyopathies – a group of diseases in which the heart expands pathologically with thinning or excessive growth of the myocardium;

• inflammatory processes in the heart;

• hypertension – a stable increase in blood pressure;

• anemia – a condition accompanied by a decrease in the level of hemoglobin and erythrocytes in the blood;

• hypoxemia – a decrease in the oxygen content in the blood;

• acute vascular insufficiency.

Extracardiac causes:

• heavy physical activity;

• stress;

• pathology of the central or peripheral nervous system;

• mental disorders;

• infectious diseases with fever;

• the action of medicines;

• intoxication with poisons;

• the effect of tobacco, alcohol, coffee and strong tea;

• dehydration, including blood loss;

• pain shock;

• pathology of the endocrine system;

• hypoglycemia – a decrease in blood glucose levels;

• low blood pressure;

• sedentary lifestyle;

• respiratory failure;

• rapid and significant weight loss;

• hypokalemia – a decrease in the level of potassium in the blood;

• injury.

Tachycardia is not the cause of the disease, but a consequence of another pathology

Types of tachycardia

Since the causes of tachycardia are very diverse, there are several systems for its classification. In this article, we will briefly dwell on the most common and clinically significant types of tachycardia.

Origin

• Physiological – occurs in a state of stress, and also occurs in pregnant women and children under 15 years of age.

• Pathological – all other cases of tachycardia in adults that occur for no apparent reason.

By clinical course

• Paroxysmal – appears and disappears suddenly, the heart rate reaches 120-220 beats per minute.

• Non-paroxysmal (permanent) – acceleration of heart rate occurs most of the time or constantly.

By pulse source

• Sinus – the generation of an impulse of heart contractions occurs in the correct place (it is also called a pacemaker), but with the wrong frequency. This increase in heart rate can be both physiological and pathological. The heart rate can reach 120-220 beats per minute. The rhythm of the heart is not disturbed.

• Supraventricular (supraventricular) – impulses are generated in the atria. It often occurs due to stress, shock, or pathology of the conduction system of the heart. Heart rate reaches 150-220 beats per minute.

• Ventricular (ventricular) – impulses propagate from the ventricles of the heart. Most often it develops with coronary artery disease (including infarction) or myocarditis. The heart beats 120-250 times per minute.

Atrial or ventricular fibrillation

A separate condition in which the frequency of generation of electrical impulses reaches 250-600 per minute. The heart cannot contract with such a frequency, so its parts only flutter randomly.

Why tachycardia is dangerous

Rhythmic contractions of the heart muscle provide oxygenated (oxygenated) blood to the internal organs, tissues and brain. When the contractions of the heart become irregular, change their frequency or fullness, the ventricles do not have time to fully fill with blood, which leads to impaired blood circulation throughout the body.

Due to arrhythmia, including due to tachyarrhythmia, pressure in the vessels decreases, and the blood in the lungs does not have time to be saturated with oxygen. Tissues and organs begin to experience oxygen starvation. With chronic tachycardia, not only constant hypooxygenation occurs, but also the necessary periods of rest between contractions of the heart muscle are significantly shortened or completely absent. The myocardium works continuously and literally wears out. Heart failure occurs and rapidly progresses, against the background of which the already disturbed oxygenation of other internal organs is steadily deteriorating.

Acute attacks of tachycardia are accompanied by unpleasant internal sensations: a feeling of interruptions in the work of the heart and its fading, sudden weakness, dizziness, respiratory rhythm disturbance. However, tachycardia can provoke more serious consequences.

Complications of tachycardia

• Arrhythmic shock is cardiogenic shock, accompanied by a critical drop in blood pressure and a decrease in blood supply to vital organs.

• Pulmonary edema is a condition in which the pressure in the pulmonary veins rises to critical levels, and the fluid content in the lung tissue increases.

• Cardiac asthma is a condition that occurs due to heart failure and is accompanied by attacks of suffocation.

• Thromboembolism of the lungs or brain is a violation of the blood supply to the organ due to blockage of the lumen of the vessel by a thrombus.

• Acute cerebrovascular insufficiency (stroke).

• Fibrillation (atrial fibrillation).

Atrial or ventricular fibrillation can lead to cardiac arrest and requires immediate hospitalization

Who is at risk

Pathological forms of tachycardia, not associated with stress or physiology, most often occur in an already unhealthy body.