Irregular Heartbeat and Rapid Heart Rate: Understanding the Causes

There are various reasons behind an irregular heartbeat and rapid heart rate, with the following being the most common:

Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Response

Atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response often presents as sudden palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and anxiety. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can confirm the diagnosis. For patients with this condition, it is crucial to manage the heart rate and consider rhythm restoration. If restoring normal rhythm is not possible, anticoagulant therapy may be necessary to reduce the risk of stroke caused by blood clots.

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is another condition characterized by sudden episodes of rapid heartbeat. These episodes often start and stop unexpectedly. Patients with PSVT may benefit greatly from a procedure called radiofrequency ablation, which has a success rate of over 95% in treating this condition.