Paroxysmal Tachycardia: Know The Causes and Treatments

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Jagadeesh Chandra Bose Y , Cardiologists

Causes
Find a Doctor
Diagnosis
Treatment
FAQs
Book an Appointment

1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Paroxysmal tachycardia is a heart rhythm disorder characterized by sudden episodes of rapid heart rate that begin and end abruptly. These episodes may last from a few seconds to several hours and can cause symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Early evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Paroxysmal tachycardia can occur in people with or without underlying heart disease. Depending on the type and cause, treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures such as catheter ablation.

What are the Types of Paroxysmal Tachycardia?

Paroxysmal tachycardia can occur when abnormal electrical signals cause the heart to beat rapidly. The specific type depends on where the abnormal rhythm originates.

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT): A rapid heart rhythm that originates above the ventricles and typically starts and stops suddenly.
Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia: A rapid rhythm that begins in an abnormal area of the atria.
Paroxysmal Ventricular Tachycardia: A rapid rhythm that originates in the ventricles and can be more serious, particularly in people with underlying heart disease.

What are the Symptoms of Paroxysmal Tachycardia?

Symptoms of paroxysmal tachycardia can vary depending on the heart rate, duration of the episode, and overall heart health. Common symptoms include:

Palpitations: A sensation of the heart racing, pounding, or beating rapidly.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint, unsteady, or weak.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless.
Chest Pain or Discomfort: Pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest.
Sweating: Excessive perspiration during an episode.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
Fainting: Loss of consciousness can occur during some episodes, particularly when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the brain.

Some people may have mild symptoms or no noticeable symptoms despite having a rapid heart rhythm.

What are the Causes of Paroxysmal Tachycardia?

Paroxysmal tachycardia usually results from abnormal electrical activity in the heart. The heart's electrical system controls the timing of each heartbeat, and disturbances in these signals can cause sudden episodes of rapid heart rate.

Electrical Abnormalities

Abnormal electrical circuits or extra electrical pathways in the heart can cause rapid rhythms that begin and end suddenly.

Structural Heart Conditions

Underlying heart conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, or other heart disease can increase the risk of tachycardia.

Lifestyle and Other Triggers

Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
Smoking or nicotine use
Stress or strong emotions
Some medications or stimulant substances
Electrolyte abnormalities
Overactive thyroid gland

When to See a Doctor?

Consult a cardiologist for medical attention if you experience sudden or recurrent episodes of rapid heart rate. A healthcare provider can determine whether the symptoms are caused by paroxysmal tachycardia or another heart rhythm disorder.

Frequent palpitations or a racing heartbeat
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath
Chest discomfort or unexplained fatigue
Episodes that repeatedly occur without an obvious trigger

Get medical help immediately if:

Severe chest pain or pressure
Fainting or near-fainting episodes
Severe difficulty breathing
Prolonged rapid heartbeat that does not stop

These symptoms may indicate a serious heart rhythm problem and require urgent medical evaluation.

Find Cardiologists for Paroxysmal Tachycardia Treatment Near You

How Is Paroxysmal Tachycardia Diagnosed?

Diagnosing paroxysmal tachycardia involves reviewing the symptoms, medical history, and possible triggers. Because episodes can stop before a person reaches a healthcare facility, heart rhythm monitoring may be needed to capture an episode.

Medical History and Physical Examination

The healthcare provider will ask about the onset, duration, frequency, and triggers of rapid heartbeat episodes and perform a physical examination to look for underlying heart or other medical conditions.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart's electrical activity. When performed during an episode, it can help identify the type and origin of the tachycardia.

Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor continuously records the heart rhythm, usually for 24 to 48 hours. It can help detect episodes that do not occur during a standard ECG.

Event Monitor

An event monitor can record heart activity over a longer period and may be activated when symptoms occur, making it useful for less frequent episodes.

Electrophysiological Study

An electrophysiological study may be recommended when the cause of the abnormal rhythm remains unclear or when catheter ablation is being considered. It helps identify abnormal electrical pathways in the heart.

What are the Treatment Options for Paroxysmal Tachycardia?

Treatment depends on the type of paroxysmal tachycardia, the frequency and severity of episodes, and whether an underlying heart condition is present. The goals are to stop acute episodes, prevent recurrence, and reduce the risk of complications.

Lifestyle Modifications

Some people may reduce episodes by identifying and avoiding individual triggers. Recommended measures may include reducing excessive caffeine and alcohol intake, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and addressing underlying health conditions.

Medications

Beta-blockers: May slow the heart rate and help prevent certain recurrent tachycardias.
Calcium channel blockers: Medicines such as verapamil or diltiazem may be used for selected types of supraventricular tachycardia.
Antiarrhythmic medications: May be prescribed to help maintain a normal heart rhythm in selected patients.

Catheter Ablation

Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used for certain types of paroxysmal tachycardia. The procedure identifies and destroys the small area of heart tissue or abnormal electrical pathway responsible for the rapid rhythm. It can provide long-term control and, in some cases, a potential cure.

Pacemaker

A pacemaker is not a routine treatment for paroxysmal tachycardia but may be considered in selected patients with associated slow heart rhythms or other specific electrical conduction problems.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Consult Paroxysmal Tachycardia Doctors Today

What are the Risk Factors of Paroxysmal Tachycardia?

Certain medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and previous heart problems can increase the likelihood of developing episodes of paroxysmal tachycardia.

History of heart disease or previous heart attack
Structural heart abnormalities
High blood pressure
Thyroid disorders
Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
Smoking or nicotine use
Use of certain stimulant medications or recreational drugs
Electrolyte imbalances
Family history of certain heart rhythm disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is paroxysmal tachycardia?

Paroxysmal tachycardia is a condition in which the heart suddenly starts beating very fast and then returns to a normal rhythm. Episodes can begin and end abruptly and may last from seconds to hours.

2. What are the symptoms of paroxysmal tachycardia?

Common symptoms include a rapid heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and sometimes fainting.

3. What causes paroxysmal tachycardia?

It is usually caused by abnormal electrical signals in the heart. Triggers may include stress, caffeine, alcohol, certain medicines, dehydration, or underlying heart conditions.

4. How is paroxysmal tachycardia diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve an ECG, Holter monitor, event monitor, or other heart-rhythm tests. An echocardiogram may also be used to check for underlying heart problems.

5. How is paroxysmal tachycardia treated?

Treatment depends on the type and cause. It may include lifestyle changes, medicines, vagal maneuvers, cardioversion, or catheter ablation to correct the abnormal electrical pathway.

6. Can paroxysmal tachycardia be cured?

Some types, particularly certain supraventricular tachycardias, can often be treated successfully with catheter ablation. Treatment can significantly reduce or eliminate recurrent episodes.

7. When is paroxysmal tachycardia an emergency?

Seek urgent medical care if a rapid heartbeat is accompanied by chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or severe dizziness, especially if the episode does not stop.