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Tachycardia

Also known as: ventricular tachycardia, rapid heartbeat

What is tachycardia?

Tachycardia is the medical term for a rapid heartbeat. This can impact the upper chambers of the heart, the lower chambers of the heart or both. It varies in severity and can lead to complications in many instances if left untreated.

What causes tachycardia?

The condition occurs due to an electrical problem with the heart. This can occur because of certain medical conditions or the use of some medications. Using caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or other drugs can increase the risk.
 

What are the symptoms of tachycardia?

Tachycardia typically produces a rapid heartbeat that can be steady or irregular depending on the type that is present. Shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, chest pain or tightness and heart palpitations are other common symptoms.
 

What are tachycardia care options?

Individuals can be taught physical movements called vagal maneuvers that can help to manage certain types of tachycardia. Some medications, medical procedures or surgeries can also treat the heart and reduce the chances of tachycardia occurring.

Reviewed by: Anthony F. Rossi, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:18 PM

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Ventricular Tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia is the medical term for a rapid heartbeat that affects the ventricles, or the lower chambers of the heart.

Heart Palpitations

When someone can actually feel the beat of the heart inside their chest, and the sensation feels like the heart is beating too fast, skipping a beat, fluttering or pounding, this is known as heart palpitations.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a form of rapid heartbeat that occurs when an individual moves from a sitting or lying position to a standing position.