Beyond the Palpitations: Common Symptoms and Warning Signs of Tachycardia

Most people first recognize tachycardia when they feel a racing or pounding heartbeat. But palpitations are only one sign of this condition, which happens when the heart beats faster than it should. Other symptoms may develop quietly, making it easy to overlook until they begin to disrupt daily life.

Understanding the symptoms beyond palpitations is key to knowing when to see a cardiologist for tachycardia. 

Here’s what you should know about this heart rhythm disorder, who’s most at risk, and the treatments that can help restore a healthy heartbeat.

What Is Tachycardia?

Tachycardia is defined as a resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute. 

While occasional fast heartbeats may be normal, such as during exercise or when under stress, tachycardia that happens without an obvious reason may signal a heart rhythm disorder.

There are several types of tachycardia, including:

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): Begins in the heart’s upper chambers (atria) and often starts suddenly.
• Atrial tachycardia: Caused by abnormal electrical signals in the heart’s atria.
• Ventricular tachycardia: Also known as an arrhythmia, this condition originates in the lower chambers (ventricles) and can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Paroxysmal tachycardia: A rapid heart rate that starts and stops abruptly.

What causes tachycardia? Quite a few factors, but the most common rapid heart rate causes include:

• Stress and anxiety
• Heart disease or high blood pressure
• Certain medications
• Caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol
• Genetics and a family history of tachycardia

People with existing heart rhythm disorders, structural heart disease, or chronic conditions like thyroid disease are also at greater risk.

Common Symptoms of Tachycardia

While abnormal heart rhythms are often the first clue, many patients experience these additional signs of tachycardia that may be overlooked:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Fainting or near-fainting (known as syncope)
• Fatigue or weakness
• Anxiety or a feeling of impending doom
• A pounding pulse in the neck or chest

These fast heart rate symptoms can range from mild to severe, but if they persist or worsen, they may signal a serious underlying heart problem.

When to See a Cardiologist for Tachycardia

Some symptoms should always be considered urgent. You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your tachycardia episodes occur suddenly or without a clear trigger
• You experience fainting, near-fainting, or severe chest pain
• You notice changes in vision, speech, or motor control, which are all possible signs of a stroke or other major cardiovascular event
• Your symptoms don’t resolve quickly with rest

Ignoring these warning signs could mean missing a critical window to treat a dangerous rhythm problem. Don’t delay in finding care.

How Cardiologists Diagnose Tachycardia

If you suspect tachycardia, a cardiologist can perform certain tests to determine the cause and type of abnormal heart rhythm. 

Some standard diagnostic tools your cardiologist may use include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Measures electrical activity in the heart.
• Holter monitor: Records heart rhythms during daily activity through a wearable device worn for 24–48 hours
• Stress test: Evaluates how your heart responds to exertion, such as running on a treadmill or bicycling.
• Electrophysiology study: This maps the electrical pathways in your heart.

Treatment Options for Tachycardia

After a tachycardia diagnosis, the right treatment will depend on the type and severity of your condition, but options may include:

• Lifestyle changes: Reducing caffeine intake, managing stress, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can make a difference.
• Medications: Taking beta-blockers and antiarrhythmic drugs can control heart rate and rhythm.
• Catheter ablation: Targets and corrects abnormal electrical pathways through a minimally invasive procedure.
• Pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs): These implantable devices are used in serious cases, especially when you have supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) signs or symptoms of ventricular tachycardia.

The earlier you get a diagnosis, the more options and better outcomes you’ll have for living with an abnormal heart rhythm.

Get Expert Tachycardia Care at CVCFL

Is tachycardia dangerous? It isn’t always, but ignoring its warning signs can put your health at risk. If you’re living with unexplained palpitations, dizziness, or fatigue, it’s time to get answers.

At The Cardiovascular Center of Florida, our board-certified cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating tachycardia symptoms and other heart rhythm disorders. Request an appointment to take control of your heart health with advanced testing and personalized care.