Tachycardia - Diagnosis

TACHYCARDIA

Tachycardia is a broad term for a variety of rapid cardiac arrhythmias.^1,2 It is commonly associated with underlying cardiac abnormalities.^1,2 If left untreated, in serious cases, this can lead to heart failure or cardiac arrest.^3,4

DIAGNOSING A TACHYCARDIA

SYMPTOMS OF A TACHYCARDIA CAN VARY, BUT MAY INCLUDE:^3,5

Rapid heartbeat

Chest pain

Difficulty breathing

Pounding sensation in the neck

Weakness or extreme tiredness

Palpitations

Lightheadedness

Dizziness

Sweating

When trying to diagnose a tachycardia, there can be several clues on the presenting 12-lead ECG.

A:V, atrial-to-ventricular; ECG, electrocardiogram.

When evaluating patients with a first tachycardia episode, consider electroanatomical mapping and mapping-guided biopsies alongside electrophysiological studies.⁶

The diagnostic pathway for a tachycardia aligns closely with the 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines.⁶

LEARN MORE:

2022 ESC GUIDELINES

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References

NHS. Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia). Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/arrhythmia/. Accessed June 11, 2026.
American Heart Association. Tachycardia: Fast heart rate. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate. Accessed June 11, 2026.
Mayo Clinic. Supraventricular tachycardia – Symptoms and causes. Available at: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/supraventricular-tachycardia/symptomscauses/syc-20355243. Accessed June 11, 2026.
Mayo Clinic. Ventricular tachycardia – Symptoms and causes. Available at: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ventricular-tachycardia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355138. Accessed June 11, 2026.
Cleveland Clinic. Sinus tachycardia: Causes, symptoms & treatment. Available at: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23210-sinus-tachycardia. Accessed June 11, 2026.
Zeppenfeld K, Tfelt-Hansen J, de Riva M, et al. 2022 ESC Guidelines for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Eur Heart J. 2022;43(40):3997–4126. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac262.