What is sinus tachycardia?
Apr 24, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Sinus tachycardia may result from physiological factors or pathological conditions, such as fever, anemia, or medication effects. In chronic anemia, hemoglobin levels in the blood decrease, leading to reduced cardiac blood supply. As a compensatory mechanism, the heart rate increases, resulting in sinus tachycardia. Once the anemia is corrected, the patient's heart rate typically returns to normal.
Sinus tachycardia may result from physiological factors or pathological conditions, such as fever, anemia, and medication effects. Specific causes are as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
Intense exercise, emotional excitement, smoking, alcohol consumption, tea drinking, coffee intake, and pregnancy can all lead to sinus tachycardia. These usually do not cause significant discomfort and resolve spontaneously, so there is generally no need for excessive concern.
2. Pathological Factors
1) Fever
When body temperature rises, energy consumption and basal metabolic rate increase, leading to a faster heart rate and potentially causing sinus tachycardia. Once the underlying condition is treated and body temperature returns to normal, the rapid heart rate typically resolves.
2) Anemia
In chronic anemia, hemoglobin levels in the blood decrease, reducing cardiac oxygen supply. The heart rate increases compensatorily, resulting in sinus tachycardia. Once anemia is corrected, heart rate usually returns to normal.
3) Medication Effects
Drugs with stimulant effects, anticholinergic agents, or discontinuation of beta-blockers may induce sinus tachycardia.
In addition, conditions such as hyperthyroidism, acute myocardial infarction, and heart failure can also cause sinus tachycardia. Therefore, medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital may be necessary when indicated.
