What is sinus tachycardia?
Apr 24, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Under normal conditions, the heart beats rhythmically within a certain range and at a regular pace. This rhythmic beating originates from an important structure called the sinoatrial node. However, if the impulses generated by the sinoatrial node increase in frequency, it can lead to arrhythmia. When the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute, it is referred to as sinus tachycardia, which can be classified as either physiological or pathological.
Under normal conditions, the heart beats rhythmically within a certain range according to a regular pattern. This rhythmic beating originates from an important structure called the sinoatrial (SA) node. However, if the electrical impulses generated by the SA node increase in frequency, it can lead to arrhythmia. When the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute, it is known as sinus tachycardia.
Sinus tachycardia can be classified as either physiological or pathological. Increased heart rate due to emotional excitement, physical exercise, or labor are considered normal physiological responses, and the heart rate typically returns to normal after calming down or resting appropriately. However, certain medical conditions such as hypotension, hyperthyroidism, and myocardial infarction can also cause sinus tachycardia—these are pathological cases requiring timely medical evaluation and treatment.
Patients should actively treat the underlying disease and control the causative factors. If symptoms persist even after removing triggering factors, medications should be taken as prescribed by a physician, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. In rare cases where the condition is severe, surgical interventions may be necessary, including catheter ablation or SA node modification.
