ConditionsGeneral information

Tachycardia

A resting heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute.

Detailed articles: 2

Reviewed by a doctorSherzod Nasirovich SabirovCardiologist-arrhythmologist

Short answer

Tachycardia is a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute at rest. It may occur for reasons such as physical exertion, excitement or fever, or because of a rhythm disorder.

Frequent or long-lasting palpitations require a doctor’s examination.

This is general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. If you have symptoms, see a doctor.

Normal sinus rhythm

Fast rhythm

Two recordings over the same length of time. Schematic image, not a patient recording.

Reviewed by a doctor

In detail: articles on this topic

Symptoms6 min read

When your heart starts racing: is it dangerous and what should you do?

A racing heart also happens after exercise, excitement or an infection and is not always a sign of disease, but only tests can find its cause. A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute at rest is called tachycardia. If severe chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting join the racing heart, call 103 without waiting.

In the article:

Read the paper

Arrhythmias6 min read

Your heart suddenly races and then stops on its own: what is it, and is there a permanent solution?

If your heart suddenly starts beating fast and then suddenly stops on its own, this may be typical of arrhythmias such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), but only an ECG recorded during an attack confirms the diagnosis. A special straining technique (the Valsalva maneuver) sometimes stops an attack; you should learn it from a doctor. If attacks keep coming back, you can talk to your doctor about ablation: the decision is made after discussing the risks and benefits.

In the article:

Read the paper

Frequently asked questions

Can a racing heart be caused by stress?

Yes, AFib Matters lists excitement and anxiety among the possible causes, and the same goes for caffeine and other conditions not related to the heart. But do not put a racing heart down to stress alone: it may also be an arrhythmia, and an ECG and an examination by a doctor find this out.

Answer from the article: When your heart starts racing: is it dangerous and what should you do?

Is supraventricular tachycardia dangerous?

There is no single answer for everyone: attacks vary. If they come with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, AFib Matters writes that immediate medical attention is needed. In other cases, too, the cause must be identified by a doctor: only testing shows whether it is dangerous or safe.

Answer from the article: Your heart suddenly races and then stops on its own: what is it, and is there a permanent solution?

What is tachycardia, and is it always a disease?

If the heart beats more than 100 times per minute at rest, this is called tachycardia. It is the name of a heart rate, not a diagnosis: a fast heartbeat can occur with excitement or an infection as well as with an arrhythmia. The doctor finds the cause.