Tachycardia

#1 (**permalink**) 10-Nov-2007, 18:56

In healthy adults, the normal range of the heart rate is between 60 and 100bpm. A heart rate of over 100bpm is classed as tachycardia. Often, tachycardia is harmless, but on occasion, it can be life-threatening. Most people experience transient rapid heartbeats, called sinus tachycardia, as a normal response to excitement, anxiety, stress, or exercise. If tachycardia occurs at rest or without a logical cause, however, it is considered abnormal.

Signs and Symptoms:
Diziness.
Shortness of Breath.
Fainting.
Blackout.
Lightheadedness.
Palpitations.
Chest pain.
Visual problems.

Triggers/risk factors of tachycardia:
Caffeine.
Smoking.
Physical activity.
Stress.
Excitement.
Anxiety.
Illicit drugs.
Prescription drugs.
Infection.
Shock.
Coronary artery disease.
Cardiomyopathy.
Damaged heart valves.
Old age.
Family history.
Hyperthyroidism.
Sleep apnea.
Hypertension.
Electrolyte imbalance.

Dory · #2 (**permalink**) 18-Nov-2007, 21:30

Checked as accurate - K (RM)