Sinus Tachycardia

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Contents 1 Introduction 2 Etiology 3 Clinical-manifestations 4 Diagnostic-procedures 5 Management 6 More General Terms 7 References

Introduction

• Depolarization of the sinus node at a rate >100/min with a normal pattern of atrial & ventricular activation.

Etiology

• increased levels of circulating catecholamines - pheochromocytoma
• pain
• hypovolemia
• hypoxemia
• myocardial ischemia or infarction
• pulmonary embolism
• fever
• inflammation
• hyperthyroidism

Clinical-manifestations

• may lead to decreased cardiac output

Diagnostic-procedures

• electrocardiogram:

• p-wave precedes each QRS complex
• p-waves have normal configuration & axis
• PR interval is normal or slightly shortened
• QRS pattern is usually normal
• occasionally, bundle-branch block may occur secondary to increased rate

Management

• correct underlying precipitating factors
• fluid replacement in hypovolemic patient
• beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist

• volume repleted patient
• myocardial ischemia or infarction

More General Terms

• narrow complex tachycardia

References

1. Manual of Medical Therapeutics, 28th ed, Ewald & McKenzie (eds), Little, Brown & Co, Boston, 1995, pg 141
2. Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed), WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 271

sinus tachycardia