TACHYCARDIABY Samarra Jones

FIRST WE ARE GOING

TO DO AN ACTIVITY

WHAT IS TACHYCARDIA??• Tachycardia is a fast or irregular heart rhythm, usually more than

100 beats per minute and as many as 400 beats per minute. At

these elevated rates, the heart is not able to efficiently pump

oxygen-rich blood to your body.

• Tachycardia can occur in either the upper heart chambers (atrial

tachycardia) or lower heart chambers (ventricular tachycardia

This is what it feels like and it is very painful

SYMPTOMS • Accelerated heart rate (fast pulse)

• Chest pain (- chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood

• Confusion

• Hypotension (low blood pressure)

• Lightheadedness

• Palpitations - an uncomfortable racing feeling in the chest, sensation of irregular and/or forceful beating of the heart.

• Panting (shortness of breath)

• Syncope (fainting)

CAUSES• A reaction to certain medications

• Congenital (present at birth)

electrical pathway abnormalities in

the heart

• Congenital abnormalities of the

heart

• Consuming too much alcohol,

cocaine and some other

recreational drugs

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Heart disease which has resulted in

poor blood supply and damage to

heart tissues

• Hyperthyroidism (overactive

thyroid gland)

• Certain lung diseases

RISK FACTORS• Certain conditions can increase your risk of developing tachycardia:

• Coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis)

• Heart failure (poor pumping heart)

• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

• Congenital heart defects (condition you are born with)

• Inflammatory or degenerative heart conditions

• Chronic lung disease

PREVENT HEART DISEASE• Exercise and eat a healthy

diet. 

• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. 

• Stop smoking. 

• Drink in moderation. 

• Don't use recreational drugs. Don't use stimulants, such as cocaine.

• Use over-the-counter medications with caution. Some cold and cough medications

contain stimulants that may trigger a rapid heartbeat.

• Limit caffeine. If you drink caffeinated beverages, do so in moderation.

• Control stress. Go to scheduled checkups. Have regular physical exams and report any signs or symptoms to your doctor.

QUESTIONS??