What causes tachycardia, and what causes bradycardia?

Generally speaking, tachycardia refers to a rapid heartbeat, while bradycardia refers to a slow heartbeat. Tachycardia may be caused by factors such as anxiety, caffeine stimulation, anemia, hyperthyroidism, or arrhythmia; bradycardia may result from physiological conditions, sinoatrial node dysfunction, atrioventricular conduction block, viral myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, and other causes. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. The specific analysis is as follows:

I. Causes of Tachycardia

1. Anxiety

Emotional excitement, anxiety, and prolonged mental stress may trigger tachycardia. Under stressful conditions, hormones such as adrenaline increase in the body, causing the heart to beat faster in response to the stimuli. It is advisable to practice relaxation techniques regularly, maintain a calm mood, and avoid excessive anxiety.

2. Caffeine Stimulation

Frequent consumption of coffee or tea may lead to excessive caffeine intake, which can stimulate the heart and induce tachycardia. It is recommended to control caffeine intake and drink more water to promote metabolism and alleviate symptoms of tachycardia.

3. Anemia

A deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin can lead to anemia, which reduces oxygen transport in the blood. This forces the heart to beat faster to compensate for the lack of oxygen, resulting in tachycardia. Treatment under medical guidance with medications such as ferrous gluconate syrup, iron dextran granules, or vitamin B12 tablets may help recovery.

4. Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism. When it becomes overactive and produces excessive thyroid hormones, the heart may become overstimulated, leading to tachycardia. Medications such as propylthiouracil tablets, carbimazole tablets, or metoprolol tartrate tablets may be used under medical supervision to aid in disease management.

5. Arrhythmia

Abnormalities in the heart's electrical signaling system can lead to arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. These abnormal electrical signals may cause the heart to beat too quickly, resulting in tachycardia. Under medical guidance, medications such as quinidine sulfate tablets, procainamide hydrochloride tablets, or verapamil hydrochloride tablets may be used to relieve symptoms.

II. Causes of Bradycardia

1. Physiological Phenomenon

Bradycardia may occur during sleep or after physical training. This is considered a normal physiological response and typically does not require special treatment.

2. Sinoatrial Node Dysfunction

Degenerative changes in the cardiac system may lead to sinoatrial node dysfunction, which can cause a slowed heart rate. Patients are advised to maintain regular exercise habits to improve sinoatrial node function. In severe cases, medications such as atropine sulfate tablets, isoprenaline hydrochloride tablets, or salbutamol sulfate tablets may be prescribed under medical supervision to support recovery.

3. Atrioventricular Conduction Block

Atrioventricular conduction block refers to impaired transmission of electrical signals between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. It may be caused by atrial enlargement, atrial fibrillation, or other cardiac conditions, potentially leading to uncoordinated or slowed heartbeats. Prompt medical consultation is recommended, and radiofrequency ablation may be performed under physician guidance.

4. Viral Myocarditis

Viral infections that cause myocarditis can damage myocardial tissue and impair normal heart function, including heart rhythm. This may lead to bradycardia and disrupt the heart’s electrical conduction system during inflammation. Under medical advice, treatments such as ribavirin injection, adenosine disodium triphosphate injection, or sodium creatine phosphate injection may be used to alleviate symptoms.

5. Acute Myocardial Infarction

Prolonged heavy physical activity or excessive exercise may increase cardiac workload. If the coronary arteries fail to dilate sufficiently to supply adequate nutrients, acute myocardial infarction may occur, which can also lead to bradycardia. Patients may also experience profuse sweating, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Under medical guidance, medications such as amlodipine and atorvastatin calcium tablets, dicoumarol tablets, or metoprolol tartrate tablets may be used to relieve symptoms.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is important. Engaging in appropriate physical activities such as running, jumping rope, or swimming can enhance immunity and promote overall health.