Why is my heart beating so fast?

Written by: Dr Narbeh Melikian
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

Top Doctors recently spoke to esteemed London-based consultant interventional cardiologist, Dr Narbeh Melikian, who, here in our latest article, explains what tachycardia is, outlines the symptoms, whilst also detailing the diagnostic process.

Why is my heart beating so fast?

Tachycardia is a form of abnormal heartbeat in which the heart beats faster than usual. The majority of patients with tachycardia do not experience many restrictions to daily life.

 

What are the symptoms?

It is important to bear in mind that symptoms differ depending on the individual and many other medical factors. On occasions, there are no symptoms at all. However, when symptoms do arise, they can last anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of days.

 

Whilst experiencing supraventricular tachycardia, some of the symptoms patients typically experience are as follows:

 

 

Caffeine, recreational drugs and alcohol can also be responsible for a fast-beating heart and, therefore, those diagnosed will be advised to avoid these.

 

How is it diagnosed?

Before a doctor can diagnose your racing heart or supraventricular tachycardia, they will check symptoms whilst also carrying out a thorough examination. This usually involves a blood pressure test and a listen to the heartbeat, using a stethoscope. Often, they will also suggest an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG is a test to show whether the electric activity in your heart is normal or not.

 

Is it life-threatening, and how can a fast-beating heart be avoided?

If individuals don’t suffer from other heart disorders, supraventricular tachycardia is rarely life threatening. However, the best way of avoiding it is to maintain a healthy diet, undertake regular exercise and avoid smoking and heavy drinking.

 

Make sure you book a consultation with Dr Narbeh Melikian today via his Top Doctors profile if you notice that your heart is beating irregularly fast on a frequent basis

By Dr Narbeh Melikian
Cardiology

Dr Narbeh Melikian is a renowned consultant interventional cardiologist based in London. With over 25 years of experience, Dr Melikian has honed his skills to become an expert in his field. His areas of expertise include coronary angiography, pacemaker surgery, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, heart valve problems and tachycardia.

Dr Melikian qualified with an MBBS with Honours in Pathology and Pharmacology from Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals Medical School in 1996. He then went on to achieve an MD qualification from the University of London in 2009 and his FRCP (UK) from the Royal College of Physicians of London in 2014.

Dr Melikian currently practices privately as a part of the London Cardiac & Vascular Associates, a private cardiac clinic made up of only the most distinguished cardiac specialists in central London and surrounding areas. He also holds private clinics at OneWelbeck Heart Health, Cleveland Clinic London Hospital and the Guthrie Clinic at King’s College Hospital, all located in Central London. In addition to his private clinics, Dr Melikian has extensive experience as a consultant cardiologist in the NHS.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr Melikian is a highly-respected voice in medical education. He currently serves as an honorary senior lecturer in cardiology at King’s College London School of Medicine, where he is also a clinical tutor for MBBS students. He is also a clinical advisor for the MBBS degree at King’s College, and is on the examinations committee for the degree.

Dr Melikian also has an impressive background in medical research, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. His research has been supported by grants from prestigious institutions such as the National Academy of Sciences, the British Heart Foundation and the British Cardiac Society.

Throughout his career, Dr Melikian has received numerous clinical and academic awards recognising his outstanding work, such as the Foord Caiger Prize  in Catrdiology and the Golding Bird and Treasurer’s Medals.
 

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