Tachycardia Disorders (Fast Heartbeat)

The Keyhole Heart Clinic specialises in treating tachycardia, a condition where the heart beats faster than normal. Our experienced medical team provides care for all types of tachycardia, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia and sinus tachycardia.

We understand that each patient's condition is unique, which is why we offer personalised diagnostic assessments and tailored treatment plans.

Learn more about the different types, diagnosis, symptoms and treatment options for tachycardia.

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HEART CONDITIONS

What is Tachycardia?

Tachycardia is a condition where your heart beats too fast, typically more than 100 beats per minute at rest. While a fast heart rate can be normal during exercise or stress, tachycardia refers to episodes when your heart races without an obvious reason.

Normal Heartbeat

Resting heart rates usually range from 60 to 100 bpm, but healthy adults can naturally have faster rates.
Young adults may have resting heart rates over 100 bpm.
In middle-aged adults, 2–5% may have resting rates above 100 bpm.
Fast heart rates don’t always mean a problem.

Types of Tachycardia

There are various types of tachycardia, or a rapid heartbeat, classified by criteria such as whether they occur in the upper or lower chambers of the heart.

Sinus Tachycardia

Sinus tachycardia (ST) is a common heart rhythm where the heart beats faster than normal because signals are coming from the heart’s natural pacemaker (the sinus node).

It is usually defined as:

A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute
A rhythm that starts in the sinus node, the heart’s normal pacemaker

In many people, ST is a normal, appropriate response to everyday situations such as exercise, stress, fever, pain, or illness. The heart rate typically returns to normal once the emotional or physical trigger has passed.

Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is a heart rhythm condition where the heart beats faster than normal, even when you are resting or not exerting yourself. For many people, this can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, disruptive to daily life.

IST is usually defined as:

A resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute, or
An average heart rate above 90 beats per minute over 24 hours

Importantly, this fast heart rate occurs without an obvious underlying cause, such as infection, anaemia, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or dehydration.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a condition in which the heart rate rises too much when you stand up, without a significant drop in blood pressure. This can make everyday activities, like standing or walking, feel challenging.

POTS is usually defined as:

An increase in heart rate of 30 beats per minute or more within 10 minutes of standing
Or a heart rate exceeding 120 beats per minute on standing without a major drop in blood pressure

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVTs) are types of fast heartbeats that start above the heart’s ventricles, in the atria or the atrioventricular (AV) node. They can cause your heart to race suddenly and may lead to symptoms that affect daily life.

SVTs are usually defined as:

Fast heart rhythms originating above the ventricles, involving the atria or AV node
A QRS complex (the main spike on an ECG) is usually between 80 and 100 ms, though it can be wider in some situations

Common types of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias

Atrial tachycardia: Heart rate typically 120–240 beats per minute. Can be sudden (paroxysmal) or persistent, sometimes leading to tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy
Atrial flutter: Atrial rate 250–350 beats per minute. It can sometimes be treated or cured with catheter ablation
Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT): Simultaneous activation of atria and ventricles that causes sudden episodes of a fast, regular heartbeat
Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT): Involves an extra pathway between the atria and ventricles that may show alternating ECG patterns during episodes

Ventricular Tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a fast heart rhythm that starts in the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. It can be serious because it affects how well the heart pumps blood to the body and may need urgent medical attention.

VT is usually defined as:

A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute
Originating from the ventricles rather than the upper chambers of the heart
Appearing as a regular or irregular wide QRS complex on an ECG

Causes & Risk Factors

Tachycardia can happen for many reasons. Some are common to all types, while others are specific to certain types of tachycardia:

Common causes & triggers

Stress, anxiety, or emotional excitement
Physical activity or exercise
Fever, pain, or dehydration
Stimulants, including caffeine, nicotine, or certain medications

Causes more specific to certain types of tachycardias:

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia often occurs without an obvious trigger, and the exact cause is unclear.
POTS is caused by abnormal blood flow and nervous system responses when standing.
Supraventricular tachycardia is usually due to abnormal electrical circuits in the atria or AV node.
Ventricular tachycardia is often related to underlying structural heart disease, but can sometimes occur in otherwise healthy hearts.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of tachycardia:

Heart disease (e.g., heart attack, heart failure, cardiomyopathy)
High blood pressure or structural heart abnormalities
Electrolyte imbalances
Age over 35 for certain tachycardias like VT

Tachycardia Symptoms & Complications

Tachycardia can cause a wide range of overlapping symptoms, but some are more common in certain types.

Common symptoms across most types of tachycardia:

Heart palpitations (heart pounding, fluttering or racing)
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or weakness
Chest discomfort or mild pain

Serious or urgent signs (seek immediate medical attention):

Very low blood pressure
Confusion or loss of consciousness
Severe chest pain
Signs of heart failure (swelling, difficulty breathing)

Other symptoms that are type-specific:

POTS: Often causes brain fog, headaches, and lightheadedness on standing
SVT: Can appear suddenly and in episodes, sometimes lasting minutes to hours. Persistent fast heart rates can strain the heart muscle over time
VT: May be life-threatening, especially if associated with underlying heart disease, and can cause fainting or sudden collapse

Some types of tachycardia can increase the risk of blood clots, which may lead to stroke.

Tachycardia Diagnosis

Before diagnosing any of the various types of tachycardia, doctors must carefully rule out other causes of a fast heart rate. This involves:

Reviewing medical history and symptoms
Physical exam
Blood tests to exclude common triggers
Heart rhythm monitoring

Your doctor will primarily use an electrocardiogram (ECG) to diagnose tachycardia. This simple test records your heart’s electrical activity. Sometimes a portable heart monitor (Holter monitor) is used to track your heart rhythm over several days, especially if your symptoms come and go.

Tachycardia Management & Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of your tachycardia. The first step is to assess whether the patient is stable.

For stable cases, treatment options include:

Simple manoeuvres to slow your heart rate (like bearing down or coughing)
Antiarrhythmic drugs to control your heart rhythm
Catheter ablation, also called cardiac ablation, is a procedure that corrects abnormal electrical signals in your heart
In some cases, a pacemaker or implantable device

The good news is that most forms of tachycardia can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan.

Unstable patients (with very low blood pressure, chest pain, or altered consciousness) may require urgent treatment with electrical cardioversion to restore a safe heart rhythm.

Lifestyle Changes to Support a Healthy Heart Rhythm

Making simple lifestyle changes can help reduce episodes of tachycardia and regulate symptoms.

Remain hydrated

Drink enough water to help maintain a steady heart rate.

Manage stress

Relaxation methods like meditation, deep breathing or temperate yoga can reduce triggers.

Limit stimulants

Cut down on caffeine, nicotine and energy drinks.

Get enough sleep

Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to support a steady heart rhythm.

Stay active safely

Regular gentle exercise can improve heart health. For some tachycardias, avoid sudden or intense activity without medical guidance.

Move slowly

Rise gradually from sitting or lying down, especially if you feel dizzy (helpful in POTS and IST).

Eat a balanced diet

Include fresh produce, whole grains and lean proteins. Some patients (especially with POTS) may benefit from slightly more salt, under a doctor’s guidance.

Please note: Lifestyle changes are supportive and cannot replace medical treatment for serious tachycardias, especially SVT and VT. With treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many patients experience a full recovery or improved symptoms.

Our Irregular Heart Rhythm Disorder Services

We offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of tachycardia and other heart conditions using the most advanced techniques available.

Our service features:

Diagnosis of rapid heart rate and palpitations	Remote monitoring devices to track heart rhythm patterns
Advanced pacemaker implantation for slow heart rates	Electrophysiology studies to identify the source of abnormal rhythms
Catheter ablation for tachycardia	Complex lead removal when needed
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias	Dietitian services to support your overall heart health through a healthy weight

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Keyhole Heart Clinic: Recommended Heart Services

At The Keyhole Heart Clinic, we provide expert medical advice and support for all heart conditions, including the diagnosis and treatment of rapid heart rhythm disorders.

Led by renowned heart surgeon Mr Inder Birdi, our team takes a case-by-case approach to care, understanding that each patient’s experience is unique. We’re committed to managing your symptoms, addressing underlying causes and helping you maintain your quality of life.

Concerns about tachycardia? Don’t wait. Reach out today to set up a heart screening and get expert answers about your cardiovascular health.

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