Understanding Sinus Tachycardia

By: pilkster
Before you can really understand what sinus tachycardia is you must first know what part of the body we are discussing. This ailment has nothing what so ever to do with your sinus cavities, but has plenty to do with your heart.

The sinus node or the sinortrial is a small group of cells that are found in the upper right chamber or the atrium of your heart. The sinus node contains cells that most people call the pacemaker cells, which generate the electrical signals that control the rhythm and pace of your heartbeat. These signals travel from the sinus node to the AV node and then is sent to the ventricles that pump the blood to the rest of your blood.

When a person has sinus tachycardia the rhythm of the heart rate impulses that are generated from the sinus node are elevated. This elevated rate is greater than 100 beats per minute on average in an average adult. Normal heart in adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute however; heart rate does vary with age.

Causes of sinus tachycardia are normal physiological situations such as exercise. However, there are several other situation that cause the heart rate to rise such as fright, stress, flight, anger, dehydration, anxiety, fever, hypovolemia with hypotension and shock, malignant hyperthermia, heart failure, anemia, pheochrimocytoma, hyperthyroidism, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, chronic pulmonary disease, acute coronary ischemia, myocardial infarction, hypoxia and the intake of illicit drugs, nicotine, and caffeine.

Symptoms are hard to determine without a doctors examination and the help from an EKG. The most noticeable symptoms include palpitations, lightheadedness and fatigue.

There are two types of sinus tachycardia that are inappropriate and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

With inappropriate or chronic nonparoxysmal sinus tachycardia you will have an elevated resting heart rate or an inflated heart rate when exercising. Most of the patients with this disorder have no prior history of heart disease or other causes of the ailment. Many believe it is due to abnormal autonomic control.

Postural orthostatic is often seen in women with no heart problems. This ailment is characterized by normal resting heart rate but inflated postural sinus tachycardia without orthostatic hypotension.

If you have been diagnosed with sinus tachycardia your physician may prescribe beta-blockers, however, many people prefer to use herbal treatment as well. A combination of both has proven very successful. Herbal treatments will enhance heart function, remove blood clots, improve the blood flow, and boost energy and aid in the health and quality of life.
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