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Vertigo

Heart palpitations

Chest pain

Dizziness

Shortness of breath

Irregular heartbeat

Lightheadedness

High heart rate

Chest discomfort

Hard to breathe

Fluttering heart

Feeling faint

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What is Supraventricular Tachycardia?

A condition that affects the upper chambers of the heart, causing an abnormally fast heartbeat. It can come and go suddenly, lasting from a few minutes to a few days. It happens when there's an issue with the heart's usual signaling system and is typically not life-threatening. However, in rare cases, it can lead to cardiac arrest or loss of consciousness. It can affect anyone. Risk factors include heart or coronary artery defects or disease, emotional or physical stress/fatigue, and existing thyroid problems.

Typical Symptoms of Supraventricular Tachycardia

Diagnostic Questions for Supraventricular Tachycardia

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:

  • Have you fainted recently?
  • Have you felt like fainting without actually losing consciousness?
  • Is your heart pounding?
  • Have you been experiencing a fast heartbeat (more than 100 beats a minute)?
  • Have you been experiencing an irregular heartbeat?

Treatment of Supraventricular Tachycardia

Mild forms of this condition don't require treatment. If repeated episodes happen, doctors may recommend medication, maneuvers (taught by the doctor), or a carotid massage (performed by the doctor). Other procedures are available if symptoms remain severe.

Reviewed By:

Unnati Patel, MD, MSc

Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)

Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.

Tatsuya Shiraishi, MD

Tatsuya Shiraishi, MD (Cardiology)

Dr. Shiraishi graduated from the Kyoto University School of Medicine. He worked as a cardiologist at Edogawa Hospital, and after joining Ubie, he became the Director of East Nihonbashi Internal Medicine Clinic.

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Content updated on Dec 5, 2025

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Symptoms Related to Supraventricular Tachycardia

Diseases Related to Supraventricular Tachycardia

FAQs

Q.

Sinus Tachycardia? Why Your Heart is Racing & Medical Next Steps

A.

Sinus tachycardia is a heart rate over 100 beats per minute with a normal rhythm that often reflects a normal response to exercise, stress, fever, dehydration, caffeine, or pregnancy, but it can also signal anemia, thyroid disease, infection, heart or lung problems, or a pulmonary embolism. There are several factors to consider for next steps, from rest, hydration, and limiting stimulants to seeing a clinician for ECG, blood tests, and other checks, and seeking urgent care for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, or a sudden very fast rate. See below for complete guidance, including how to tell sinus tachycardia from other arrhythmias, what tests and treatments like beta blockers may be used, and which red flags should change your care plan.

References:

* Olshansky B, Sabbagh EH. Sinus Tachycardia: Diagnosis and Management. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2019 Jan 10;21(1):1. doi: 10.1007/s11886-019-1087-7. PMID: 29166299.

* Still AM, Lowe DK, Olson MD. Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Management. J Am Heart Assoc. 2013 May 2;2(3):e000212. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.112.000212. PMID: 23640245; PMCID: PMC3698744.

* Olshansky B, Sullivan RM. Approach to Patients With Sinus Tachycardia. Am J Med. 2018 Aug;131(8):896-904. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.02.012. PMID: 29627763.

* Boveda S, Al-Fadley M. Physiologic and Pathologic Sinus Tachycardia. Card Electrophysiol Clin. 2020 Sep;12(3):369-378. doi: 10.1016/j.ccep.2020.06.002. PMID: 32829986.

* Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, et al. 2020 ACC/AHA Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Adults With Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Performance Measures. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020 Mar 17;75(10):1195-1200. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.12.015. PMID: 32044234.

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Q.

Heart Racing? Cardiovascular Risks & Medically Approved Next Steps

A.

There are several factors to consider. A racing heart is often benign after exercise, stress, caffeine, or dehydration, but if it occurs at rest or with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, severe dizziness, or pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back, it can indicate an arrhythmia or other cardiovascular disease that needs urgent care; see critical red flags below. Below you will also find key risk factors, how doctors evaluate this with ECG and monitors, the major conditions to consider like SVT and AFib, and proven next steps ranging from hydration and stimulant reduction to vagal maneuvers, medications, ablation, and long term prevention, plus when to follow up.

References:

* Olshansky, B. (2019). Palpitations and arrhythmias. *Medical Clinics of North America*, *103*(5), 785-797. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2019.05.003. PMID: 31345598.

* Katritsis, D. G., et al. (2020). Management of supraventricular tachycardias: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. *Journal of the American College of Cardiology*, *76*(25), 2955-2975. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.10.043. PMID: 33334586.

* Gopinath, A., & Gupta, P. (2022). Evaluation and Management of Palpitations. *Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice*, *49*(1), 173-186. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2021.08.001. PMID: 35227763.

* Krahn, A. D., et al. (2019). The diagnosis and management of patients with palpitations: A position statement of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. *Canadian Journal of Cardiology*, *35*(5), 629-663. doi: 10.1016/j.cjca.2018.12.016. PMID: 30718306.

* Al-Khatib, S. M., et al. (2018). 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. *Journal of the American College of Cardiology*, *71*(13), e303-e350. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.10.054. PMID: 29097296.

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Q.

Heart Racing? Valsalva Maneuver Science & Medically Approved Steps

A.

The Valsalva maneuver is a guideline-supported, drug-free technique that can slow certain sudden fast heart rhythms like stable SVT by briefly increasing chest pressure to stimulate the vagus nerve. The medically approved modified steps are to bear down with mouth closed and nose pinched for about 15 seconds, then immediately lie flat and raise your legs for 15 seconds. There are several safety exceptions and signs that require urgent care, and it does not work for all arrhythmias. For crucial details on when to use it, when not to, and what to do if it fails or symptoms are severe, see the complete guidance below to help decide your next steps.

References:

* Appelboam, P., et al. (2015). Modified Valsalva manoeuvre for the termination of supraventricular tachycardia. The Lancet, 386(9989), 42-48.

* Smith, R. P., & DiMario, L. (2019). The Valsalva maneuver: a review of its effect on the cardiovascular system. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 18(1), 16-21.

* McDonald, S., et al. (2018). Modified Valsalva Maneuver for Termination of Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 36(11), 2097-2104.

* Looney, N., & McCarthy, C. (2018). Understanding the Valsalva maneuver and its clinical implications. Irish Journal of Medical Science, 187(2), 295-300.

* Vora, A. S., et al. (2023). Non-Pharmacological Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia: Recent Advances. Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine, 25(3), 29-41.

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Q.

Heart Racing? Why Atrial Flutter Happens & Medically Approved Next Steps

A.

Atrial flutter occurs when a circular electrical pathway in the heart’s upper chambers makes them beat very fast, often felt as a racing or fluttering pulse, and it matters because it raises stroke risk and can weaken the heart if it continues. There are several factors and treatments to consider that can change your next steps, including diagnosis with an ECG, rate control medicines, rhythm restoration with cardioversion or catheter ablation, blood thinners based on your risk, and managing triggers. See below for urgent red flags, who needs which option, and practical steps to take now.

References:

* Schuessler JD, Miller MA, Joggerst LA, et al. Atrial Flutter: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Management. Card Electrophysiol Clin. 2018 Sep;10(3):477-488. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2018.05.009. PMID: 30122394.

* Stevenson WG, Lakkireddy DR. Atrial Flutter: A Clinical Review. J Am Heart Assoc. 2020 Nov 17;9(22):e018617. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.120.018617. PMID: 33170757. PMCID: PMC7767078.

* Kalifa J, Jais P, Stevenson WG, et al. Atrial Flutter: Current understanding and treatment approaches. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2019 Apr;30(4):618-631. doi: 10.1111/jce.13884. Epub 2019 Feb 14. PMID: 30659795.

* Kalman JM, Sanders P, Jaïs P, et al. Atrial flutter: A clinical overview of mechanisms, diagnosis, and management. Heart Lung Circ. 2018 Apr;27(4):428-439. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.10.007. Epub 2017 Oct 28. PMID: 29198642.

* Kumar A, Patel D, Patel M, et al. Catheter Ablation of Atrial Flutter: A Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Patient Selection. Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med. 2021 Mar 1;23(3):14. doi: 10.1007/s11936-021-00898-7. PMID: 33649952.

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Q.

Heart Racing? Why Your Heart is Spiking & Medical SVT Next Steps

A.

A sudden racing or pounding heartbeat can be supraventricular tachycardia, where abnormal electrical signals make your rate jump to 150 to 250 bpm; common triggers include stress, caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, and some cold medicines, with symptoms like palpitations, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath. Next steps: track episodes, arrange medical evaluation with an ECG or monitor, try vagal maneuvers only if a clinician has taught you, and seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting, or severe breathlessness; treatments from medications to catheter ablation are often very effective. There are several factors to consider, so see below for important details that can shape your safest plan.

References:

* Katritsis DG, Josephson ME, Buxton AE, et al. 2023 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2023 Nov 21;82(21):e185-e322. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.05.021. PMID: 37979607.

* Katritsis DG, Camm AJ. Supraventricular Tachycardia: An Overview of Diagnosis and Management. Circ Res. 2017 Mar 3;120(5):853-873. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.309322. PMID: 28254848.

* Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG. Catheter Ablation of Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Review. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019 Mar 19;73(10):1153-1166. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.10.076. PMID: 30871879.

* Zimetbaum PJ. Evaluation and Management of Palpitations. N Engl J Med. 2017 Oct 12;377(15):1441-1449. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp1614052. PMID: 29020619.

* Bisson DL, Rosman D. Supraventricular Tachycardia. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441860/ PMID: 28723000.

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Q.

Abnormal ECG? Why Your Heart Is Racing and Medical Next Steps

A.

Abnormal ECG with a racing heart can be benign and treatable, caused by stress, caffeine, fever, or dehydration, or due to conditions like SVT, atrial fibrillation, thyroid disease, medication effects, and rarely dangerous ventricular tachycardia. There are several factors to consider; see below for details that can change your next steps. Seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or a heart rate over 150 that will not slow, and review the recommended workup below such as repeat ECGs, Holter or event monitors, blood tests, echocardiogram, and treatments from lifestyle changes and medicines to cardioversion or ablation.

References:

* Chou KJ, Chen SA. Evaluation and Management of Patients with Supraventricular Tachycardia. Acta Cardiol Sin. 2020 Jul;36(4):307-317. doi: 10.6515/ACS.202007_36(4).0001. PMID: 32677840; PMCID: PMC7389868.

* Kim D, De Jesus O. Sinus Tachycardia. [Updated 2022 Dec 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: PMID: 30969562.

* Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, Bryant WJ, Bybee KA, Daubert JP, Gillam LD, Hlatky MA, Joglar JA, Miller MA, Shah RU, Yancy CW. Ventricular Tachycardia: An Overview. J Am Heart Assoc. 2018 Aug 21;7(16):e008544. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.118.008544. PMID: 30138948; PMCID: PMC6170669.

* Balaji S, Balaji S, Balaji A. Approach to patients with palpitations. J Arrhythm. 2017 Aug;18(4):539-547. doi: 10.1007/s10840-017-0275-0. Epub 2017 Aug 16. PMID: 29094038.

* Nanchal R. Electrocardiogram Interpretation: The Basics. Crit Care Clin. 2022 Apr;38(2):209-224. doi: 10.1016/j.ccc.2021.12.002. Epub 2022 Jan 21. PMID: 35147481.

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Q.

Heart Racing? Why You Need a Defibrillator + Medically Approved Steps

A.

There are several factors to consider: a racing heart can be harmless or a dangerous arrhythmia that needs immediate CPR and a defibrillator, especially with collapse, no pulse, chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath. Early CPR and defibrillation improve survival, but not all fast rhythms require a shock. Clear, medically approved steps for emergencies and when you are stable including when to call for help, using an AED, doctor-advised vagal maneuvers, avoiding stimulants, and who might need an implantable defibrillator are detailed below.

References:

* Merchant RM, Topjian AA, Chan PS, et al. Part 5: Electrical Therapies: Automated External Defibrillators, Defibrillation, Cardioversion, and Pacing: 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation. 2020 Oct 20;142(16 Suppl 2):S366-S393. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000913. Epub 2020 Oct 21. PMID: 33059293.

* Zeppenfeld K, Tfelt-Hansen J, de Riva M, et al. 2022 ESC Guidelines for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Eur Heart J. 2022 Oct 21;43(40):3997-4126. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac262. PMID: 36014285.

* Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, et al. 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 Feb 27;71(13):e77-e188. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.10.015. Epub 2017 Oct 30. PMID: 29097296.

* Katritsis DG, Calkins H, Contifaris M, et al. 2023 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2023 Nov 21;82(21):1935-2091. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.05.011. Epub 2023 Nov 6. PMID: 37920786.

* Link MS. Electrical cardioversion and defibrillation. Card Electrophysiol Clin. 2017 Sep;9(3):477-484. doi: 10.1016/j.ccep.2017.05.004. Epub 2017 Jul 18. PMID: 28842095.

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Q.

Heart Racing? Why Your Heart Is Reset by Adenosine & Medical Next Steps

A.

Adenosine resets certain racing heart rhythms in seconds by briefly blocking the AV node so normal rhythm resumes, most often for supraventricular tachycardia; the sensation can be intense but short, and it is given under close monitoring since it is not right for every rhythm or for some people with severe asthma. Afterward, plan on ECG and follow-up, consider ambulatory monitors, learn vagal maneuvers, review triggers, and discuss medicines or curative catheter ablation, while seeking emergency care for red flags like chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath; there are several factors to consider, so see below for important details that can shape your next steps.

References:

* Page RL, Joglar FJ, Stevenson MA, et al. 2020 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020 Dec 22;76(25):e141-e221. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.09.013. Epub 2020 Dec 4. PMID: 33279313.

* Lopes PS, Magalhães S, Pimentel-Nunes P, et al. Pharmacology of Adenosine. JACC Basic Transl Sci. 2017 Aug 28;2(4):420-432. doi: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2017.06.002. PMID: 29732448; PMCID: PMC5862214.

* Todd DM, Ducharme A. Acute management of supraventricular tachycardia. Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care. 2019 Jun;8(4):307-313. doi: 10.1177/2048872619830589. Epub 2019 Feb 19. PMID: 30784333.

* Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, et al. Management of supraventricular tachycardia: an update. Herz. 2021 May;46(Suppl 2):142-154. doi: 10.1007/s00059-021-05047-9. Epub 2021 Mar 22. PMID: 33751104.

* Link MS, Huang DT, Chaitman BR, et al. Adenosine in the acute management of supraventricular tachycardia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Resuscitation. 2019 Sep;142:156-166. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2019.07.009. Epub 2019 Jul 20. PMID: 31336184.

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Q.

Heart Racing? Why Your Heart Needs a Cardiologist & Medically Approved Next Steps

A.

Heart racing can be normal after stress, caffeine, or exercise, but if it happens at rest, recurs, or occurs with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, you should see a cardiologist to check for arrhythmias like SVT or atrial fibrillation and other causes. There are several factors to consider, and medically approved next steps include tracking episodes, reducing stimulants, hydrating, prioritizing sleep, and getting tests like an ECG or monitor to guide treatments from lifestyle changes to medications, ablation, or blood thinners; see the complete details below.

References:

* Goyal A, Zègre-Hemsey JK. Palpitations: Evaluation in the Primary Care Setting. Curr Probl Cardiol. 2017 Nov;42(11):371-385.

* Katritsis DG, Camm AJ. Supraventricular Tachycardia: Diagnosis and Management. Heart. 2018 Dec;104(24):2004-2012.

* Calkins H, Hindricks G, Al-Khatib DM, et al. 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2023 Oct 17;148(16):e174-e346.

* Yap S, Zecchin RP, Gananadha S, et al. Indications for referral for cardiology assessment and investigation. Aust Prescr. 2016 Oct;39(5):161-165.

* Saravanan P, Saravanan P. Approach to cardiac arrhythmias: clinical evaluation and diagnostic tools. Postgrad Med J. 2017 Dec;93(1106):745-752.

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Q.

Heart Racing? Why Your Heart is Over-Firing (SVT) & Medical Next Steps

A.

A suddenly racing or pounding heartbeat is often supraventricular tachycardia, a rapid rhythm from the heart’s upper chambers that starts and stops abruptly; it is usually not life threatening but can cause palpitations, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort and may be triggered by stress, caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, or stimulants. Immediate care is needed for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, confusion, or a heart rate that stays above about 150, while outpatient next steps include ECG monitoring, blood tests, and treatments ranging from safe vagal maneuvers and medications to curative catheter ablation; there are several factors to consider, so see the complete details below to understand triggers, diagnosis options, and the right plan for you.

References:

* Page RL, et al. 2023 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2023 Sep 26;148(13):e278-e362. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001189. Epub 2023 Aug 24. PMID: 37622603.

* Adlan AM, et al. Supraventricular Tachycardia: Latest Developments in Diagnosis and Management. Card Electrophysiol Clin. 2023 Sep;15(3):397-409. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2023.04.004. Epub 2023 Jun 23. PMID: 37579998.

* Katritsis DG, et al. Diagnosis and Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev. 2020 Dec;9(3):189-196. doi: 10.15420/aer.2020.25. Epub 2020 Dec 21. PMID: 33456885; PMCID: PMC7772658.

* Di Marco A, et al. Current guidelines for the management of supraventricular tachycardia. F1000Res. 2020 Feb 28;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-148. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.21204.1. PMID: 32174984; PMCID: PMC7051212.

* Adabag AS, et al. Mechanisms and Management of Supraventricular Tachycardias. Curr Probl Cardiol. 2018 Jan;43(1):1-38. doi: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2017.06.001. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28803730.

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Q.

Heart Racing? Why Tachycardia Happens & Medically Approved Steps

A.

Tachycardia can be normal or concerning: while faster beats with exercise or stress are common, a resting rate over 100 can signal dehydration, infection, anemia, thyroid or medication effects, or arrhythmias like SVT or ventricular tachycardia, and red flags such as chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath need emergency care. Medically approved steps include slow breathing, hydrating, limiting stimulants, considering doctor-advised vagal maneuvers, tracking episodes, and seeking evaluation for persistent or frequent events with tests like an ECG and thyroid labs; there are several factors and treatments that may change your next steps, so see the complete guidance below.

References:

* Tachycardia. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

* Supraventricular Tachycardia. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

* Ventricular Tachycardia. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

* Brugada J, Katritsis DG, Arbelo E, Arribas JM, D'Avila D, de Chillón SM, Ferrero A, Blomström-Lundqvist C, Hindricks G, Kautzner J, Kuck KH, Lambiase P, Mont L, Sacher F, Scanavacca M, Stephen J, Tisdale JE. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the management of patients with supraventricular tachycardia developed in collaboration with ALAECC: The Task Force for the management of patients with supraventricular tachycardia of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur Heart J. 2020 Mar 1;41(5):655-720. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz467. Epub 2019 Aug 29. PMID: 31475071.

* Sinus Tachycardia. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

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Q.

Heart Racing? Why Tachycardia Isn’t Just Stress & Medically Vetted Next Steps

A.

A racing heart at rest is not always just stress; tachycardia means over 100 beats per minute at rest and can also come from arrhythmias like SVT or AFib, thyroid disease, anemia, dehydration, infections, or stimulants, and chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting with it warrants emergency care. There are several factors to consider, and next steps range from cutting caffeine and hydrating to getting an ECG, wearable monitoring, and treatments like medications or catheter ablation. See below for the complete breakdown of causes, types, red flag symptoms, and step by step actions that could change what you do next.

References:

* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34260279/

* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29097296/

* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34360677/

* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30018318/

* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32959663/

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Q.

Racing Heart Over 65? Tachycardia Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

A.

If you’re over 65, a racing or irregular heartbeat at rest can signal tachycardia; watch for shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, confusion, or fatigue, and seek urgent care for fainting, chest pain or pressure, severe breathlessness, stroke-like symptoms, or a fast heartbeat that does not slow after a few minutes of rest. There are several factors to consider, including AFib and SVT, medication effects, thyroid problems, dehydration, electrolyte issues, and heart disease. See the complete answer below for the tests a doctor may suggest, home steps that can help, and treatment options that can guide your next steps.

References:

* Barón-Esquivias J, Roldán R, Roldán I. Cardiac arrhythmias in older adults: a review. Eur Heart J Suppl. 2021 Apr;23(Suppl B):B45-B53. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/suaa169. PMID: 33790938; PMCID: PMC7990595.

* Patel N, Lim P, Khan F, et al. Clinical features and outcomes of supraventricular tachycardias in the elderly. Heart Rhythm. 2018 Jan;15(1):63-69. doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2017.09.006. PMID: 28917897.

* Mielczarek-Korzeniowska E, Król K, Goch A, et al. Specific Characteristics of Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med. 2023 Feb 1;12(3):1160. doi: 10.3390/jcm12031160. PMID: 36769623; PMCID: PMC9917540.

* Moreno J, Acosta J, Hernández-Romero D, et al. Ventricular arrhythmias in the elderly. Rev Esp Cardiol (Engl Ed). 2019 Jul;72(7):589-598. doi: 10.1016/j.rec.2019.01.006. PMID: 30737190.

* Khullar M, Kalsotra V, Zeeshan S, et al. Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in the Older Population: Focus on Pathophysiology and Treatment. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022 Mar 18;9:856429. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.856429. PMID: 35372422; PMCID: PMC8976451.

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Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Associates

Ravi P. Chokshi, MD

Ravi P. Chokshi, MD

Obstetrics and gynecology

Penn State Health

Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders

Newsweek 2024

“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”

Newsweek 2024

Google Play Best of 2023

“Best With AI”

Google Play Best of 2023

Digital Health Awards 2023

“Best in Class”

Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)

Which is the best Symptom Checker?

Which is the best Symptom Checker?

Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.

Link to full study:

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1

References