Side Effect: Fast Heartbeat (Tachycardia)

What is Fast Heartbeat (Tachycardia)?

Fast heartbeat, also referred to as tachycardia, is a medical condition of an abnormally fast heart rate. Specifically, it refers to a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute at rest.

What does Fast Heartbeat (Tachycardia) look like?

Tachycardia is typically diagnosed based on an increased resting heart rate during a physical exam and confirmed with results of an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG). Patients with tachycardia may not exhibit any symptoms, but some may endorse palpitations, dizziness, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Who gets Fast Heartbeat (Tachycardia)?

Patients with cancer may develop tachycardia due to various reasons such as anemia, infection, electrolyte abnormalities, dehydration, pain, anxiety, blood clots in the lungs, or medication side effects.

How to prevent Fast Heartbeat (Tachycardia)

Preventing tachycardia in patients with cancer involves identifying and managing underlying causes. For example, monitoring and correcting potassium and magnesium levels can prevent tachycardia associated with electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, adequately treating comorbid conditions, such as pain or anxiety, can also help prevent tachycardia.

How to treat Fast Heartbeat (Tachycardia)

The treatment of tachycardia also depends on appropriately addressing the underlying cause, and the management approach may vary accordingly. If tachycardia is due to a medication side effect, therapy may have to be adjusted or be switched to a different agent. Management of tachycardia may also include medications, such as beta-blockers:

• Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL®)
• Propanolol (Inderal XL®)
• Atenolol (Tenormin®)

In some cases, anti-arrhythmic medications, or interventions, such as cardioversion or catheter ablation, may be indicated depending on the severity and duration of tachycardia.