Is junctional tachycardia serious?

Junctional tachycardia is an arrhythmia characterized by abnormal electrical signals originating from the junctional region of the heart, leading to an increased heart rate. Its main feature is that the pacemaker focus is located in the atrioventricular junction. This type of ectopic rhythm typically results from increased automaticity of junctional tissue or abnormal electrical discharge. This condition usually does not pose a serious threat to health, especially in patients without other heart diseases. However, it may cause uncomfortable symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or chest tightness. Junctional tachycardia often occurs secondary to organic heart diseases, such as myocardial infarction, severe myocardial ischemia, or myocarditis. These factors may induce serious consequences such as cardiac arrest or sudden death, which can seriously threaten the patient's life safety. In addition, patients may experience symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath, which may lead to syncope or even sudden death in severe cases.

In some cases, particularly in patients with a history of heart disease, junctional tachycardia may require medical treatment to prevent potential complications. Treatment options may include medication, cardiac cardioversion, or, in rare cases, surgery.