Paroxysmal tachycardia is a medical term used to describe an accelerated heart rate that is caused by a dysfunction of the electrical system of the heart. Most instances of this type of increased heart rate are brief and do not present any significant health risks. In some cases, the paroxysmal tachycardia can last for several minutes or hours and can lead to potentially fatal complications. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness. Treatment for paroxysmal tachycardia is based on the specific symptoms as well as the overall health of the patient and may include the use of prescription medications, electric shock treatment, or surgical intervention.
The chambers of the heart are divided into atria and ventricles, and these chambers normally function in a coordinated manner, causing the heart to beat at a steady pace. In those with paroxysmal tachycardia, these areas of the heart do not contract at a steady pace, leading to periodic episodes of rapid heartbeat. Possible causes of paroxysmal tachycardia include physical illness, illicit drug use, and alcohol or caffeine use. Smokers may also have a higher risk of developing this condition.
Patients who have mild cases of paroxysmal tachycardia may not experience any noticeable symptoms of this condition. Those who do experience symptoms may notice a feeling of tightness in the chest or shortness of breath. Heart palpitations or a feeling of extreme anxiety may also occur. These symptoms usually occur sporadically and last only a few seconds or a few minutes. In the more severe cases, the symptoms may become very uncomfortable and last for several hours.
No treatment is necessary if there are no symptoms associated with paroxysmal tachycardia, although the supervising physician may order additional tests to make sure there are no additional medical conditions present that may require treatment. Some of these tests may include an electrocardiogram or Holter monitoring. An electrocardiogram, also referred to as an ECG, records the electrical activity of the heart so that the doctor can see any inconsistencies that may require further evaluation. Holter monitoring requires the patient to wear a device for a period of 24 hours, and the doctor will evaluate the results to determine whether the patient has paroxysmal tachycardia.
Prescription medications may be used in an attempt to regulate the heart rate of the patient. In some cases, electrical shock treatment may be used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. Surgical intervention is often used as a last resort and may not be possible if the patient has underlying medical concerns that make it dangerous to undergo a surgical procedure.
