Arrhythmia vs. Tachycardia — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 5, 2024
Arrhythmia is a condition with irregular heart rhythms, while tachycardia specifically refers to a faster than normal heart rate.
Difference Between Arrhythmia and Tachycardia
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Arrhythmia encompasses a broad range of heart rhythm disorders that can include irregular, too fast, or too slow heartbeats. It's a term that signifies any deviation from the normal sequence of electrical impulses in the heart, which can lead to a variety of symptoms and health concerns. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is a specific type of arrhythmia that specifically describes a heart rate exceeding the normal resting rate, usually defined as over 100 beats per minute in adults.
Arrhythmias can be caused by various factors, including heart disease, electrolyte imbalances in the blood, injury from a heart attack, or the aging process itself. Tachycardia can also result from similar causes but specifically leads to an abnormally high heart rate. The triggers for tachycardia can include exercise, emotional stress, fever, and certain medications, among others.
Symptoms of arrhythmia vary widely, from being barely noticeable to causing significant distress. They can include palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or even chest pain. Tachycardia symptoms are also varied but are specifically related to the rapid heartbeat and can include dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid pulse rate, heart palpitations, and chest pain.
The treatment for arrhythmias depends on the type and severity of the condition. It may include lifestyle changes, medication, or more invasive procedures like pacemaker installation or cardioversion. Treatment for tachycardia also varies depending on its cause and severity but may include vagal maneuvers, medications, or procedures like catheter ablation or surgery to correct the heart rate.
The prognosis for individuals with arrhythmia or tachycardia depends on the underlying cause, the specific type of disorder, and the overall health of the individual. Many forms of arrhythmia, including certain types of tachycardia, can be managed effectively with treatment, allowing individuals to live normal, healthy lives.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A condition with irregular heart rhythms.
A specific type of arrhythmia with a heart rate over 100 bpm.
Causes
Heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, heart attack, aging.
Exercise, stress, fever, medications, underlying heart conditions.
Symptoms
Palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, chest pain.
Dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, palpitations, chest pain.
Treatment
Lifestyle changes, medication, pacemaker, cardioversion.
Vagal maneuvers, medication, catheter ablation, surgery.
Prognosis
Varies widely; many types can be managed effectively.
Often manageable with treatment; depends on underlying cause.
Compare with Definitions
Arrhythmia
Can include bradycardia (too slow) or tachycardia (too fast) heart rates.
His arrhythmia varied, sometimes showing signs of bradycardia at rest.
Tachycardia
A condition where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute.
The patient's stress test induced tachycardia, revealing how his heart reacts under exertion.
Arrhythmia
Results from abnormal electrical impulses in the heart.
The doctor explained that her arrhythmia was caused by electrical signal disruptions.
Tachycardia
Can be a response to factors like fever, stress, or exercise.
His tachycardia was often triggered by caffeine and high stress.
Arrhythmia
A general term for any irregularity in the heart's rhythm.
After experiencing palpitations, she was diagnosed with arrhythmia.
Tachycardia
A type of arrhythmia focused on rapid heartbeat.
Tachycardia is one of several arrhythmias characterized by its fast heart rate.
Arrhythmia
Symptoms and severity can vary greatly.
Despite his arrhythmia, he rarely felt symptoms and lived a normal life.
Tachycardia
Symptoms can include dizziness and shortness of breath.
She felt dizzy and breathless, signs her tachycardia was flaring up.
Arrhythmia
Treatment is tailored to the type of arrhythmia and its cause.
Treatment for her arrhythmia included medication to regulate her heart rate
Tachycardia
Treatment may involve medication or procedural interventions.
To manage his tachycardia, he underwent a procedure to correct his heart's electrical pathways.
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia, also known as cardiac arrhythmia or heart arrhythmia, is a group of conditions in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow. The heart rate that is too fast – above 100 beats per minute in adults – is called tachycardia, and a heart rate that is too slow – below 60 beats per minute – is called bradycardia.
Tachycardia
Tachycardia, also called tachyarrhythmia, is a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate. In general, a resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute is accepted as tachycardia in adults.
Arrhythmia
An irregularity in the force or rhythm of the heartbeat
A fatal arrhythmia.
Tachycardia
A rapid heart rate, especially one above 100 beats per minute in an adult.
Arrhythmia
A condition characterized by such irregularities
Treatments for cardiac arrhythmia.
Tachycardia
A rapid resting heart rate, especially one above 100 beats per minute.
Arrhythmia
An irregular heartbeat; a lack of a regular pulse
Tachycardia
Abnormally rapid heartbeat (over 100 beats per minute)
Arrhythmia
A disease entity involving such beats, such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, AV nodal reentrant tachycardia, or others.
Arrhythmia
An abnormal rate of muscle contractions in the heart
Common Curiosities
Can arrhythmias be life-threatening?
Some arrhythmias can be serious and potentially life-threatening, requiring prompt medical attention.
How is tachycardia different from other arrhythmias?
Tachycardia specifically refers to an abnormally high heart rate, while arrhythmias can include any irregular heart rhythm.
How are arrhythmias diagnosed?
Arrhythmias are typically diagnosed using ECG (electrocardiogram) tests, which monitor the electrical activity of the heart.
Can lifestyle changes help manage tachycardia or other arrhythmias?
Yes, lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine intake, managing stress, and quitting smoking can help manage these conditions.
Is tachycardia always a sign of heart disease?
Not always; tachycardia can occur in healthy individuals as a response to stress, exercise, or other factors.
What is the main risk factor for developing an arrhythmia?
The risk factors vary but can include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and stress.
Is there a cure for arrhythmias or tachycardia?
Treatment can often manage or alleviate symptoms, but the possibility of a cure depends on the underlying cause.
How common are arrhythmias?
Arrhythmias are relatively common, affecting millions of people worldwide, with the prevalence increasing with age.
Can exercise cause tachycardia?
Yes, physical exertion can temporarily increase the heart rate, causing tachycardia, which is usually normal and expected during exercise.
Can arrhythmias go away on their own?
Some arrhythmias, particularly those induced by temporary conditions like stress or fever, may resolve without treatment.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
