What is tachycardia?

With a tachycardia many times in a life facedeach of us. In general terms, the question of what tachycardia is, can be answered in the following way: this is a perceptible increase in heart rate - more than 90 beats per minute (the norm is given for adults and children over 7 years old). It can be observed, in particular, in strong excitement: so, frightened of something, many noted how quickly, literally "thrilled", the heart can beat. This version of tachycardia is called neurogenic - with nervous tension it manifests itself even in perfectly healthy people.

The palpitation becomes more frequent and at physical workany activity in sports, fast walking, climbing uphill or up the stairs. In this case, the answer to the question, what is tachycardia, is as follows: this is a completely natural condition caused by an increase in the body's oxygen demand. To provide the necessary amount, the heart begins to pump more blood and, consequently, to contract, the breathing becomes more frequent. No changes in the cardiovascular system are observed. Such a tachycardia does not pose a danger to the body, but it is still necessary to control your pulse when exercising in order to prevent overload.

Physiological tachycardia is manifested in othersituations - for example, if a seated or lying person abruptly rises or jumps, assuming an upright position (this is the so-called orthostatic tachycardia). In addition, the increase in heart rate can be caused by the intake of certain drugs (hormonal, corticosteroids, cardiovascular agents), and perhaps also a consequence of high body temperature. It is also known the ability of coffee and strong tea to increase the heart rate by keeping caffeine in them. Tachycardia, caused by the above reasons, is called a sinus or sinusoidal - the frequency of contractions is more frequent, given the so-called sinus node located in the right atrium. Violations in his work, in turn, can also be caused by various extracardiac ("out-cardiac") conditions and pathologies: thyrotoxicosis, neuroses, infectious diseases.

Those who are interested in what tachycardia is,should also know about its pathological varieties. Their main difference from physiological tachycardia is that they manifest not only with physical activity or excitement, but also at rest, when a person does not perform any active movements and is not alarmed at all. The source of the rhythm is located outside the sinus node - a kind of tachycardia called ectopic or paroxysmal, emphasizing its paroxysmal nature.

Depending on the source of the pulses,ventricular and supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardia. Palpitations usually occur suddenly, for no apparent reason, and just as suddenly stop. Their duration can be different. Heart rate during an attack can be up to 170 (ventricular tachycardia), and even up to 230 beats per minute (SVT). This indicator is one of the indirect signs, allowing to distinguish these forms of the disease. Pathological may be sine tachycardia - in this case, it is the result of a malfunction of the sinus node, developing on the background of organic heart disease. When it, unlike ventricular and supraventricular forms of heart rhythm to normal gradually after more frequent.

The causes of paroxysmal tachycardia lie in thevarious cardiac diseases and pathologies - these include, for example, congenital and acquired heart diseases, heart muscle damage (myocarditis), etc. For the purpose of adequate treatment of tachycardia, a thorough examination of the patient, including ECG, ultrasound of the heart and others - is recommended doctor. These activities will help to establish exactly the type of tachycardia and the reasons that caused it.

Thus, the final answer to the question ofwhat tachycardia is, can be formulated as follows: it is a symptom that should not be ignored, because it can be the result of a serious illness. If your heart palpitations bother you often, you should contact your cardiologist.