What Causes Sinus Tachycardia?

Posted on Tue, 31 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I have had sinus tachycardia for years and never thought anything of it. I recently started seeing a new doctor and he was very concerned that this issue was never taken care of with other doctors. my pulse is always above 100, even at rest. My doctor is afraid to put me on a beta blocker because my blood pressure runs on the low side. I have a major surgery coming up, L-3-S1 spinal fusion. My doctor is trying to get me in to see a cardiologist and get an echocardiogram done before surgery. He wants to make sure there is no damage to the myocardium. This has been going on for years. What can cause sinus tachycardia? Is it dangerous to have this issue gone untreated for years? What kind of damage can be caused to my heart? If something shows damage on the echo my surgery will be cancelled and I've been waiting for this surgery for months, pain is unbearable. What is the treatment for sinus tachycardia?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There are several conditions that may cause it.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Sinus tachycardia may be physiologic (that means it is a characteristic of yours) or may have several underlying causes: Anemia, Pheochromocytoma, Hyperthyroidism, Myocardial infarction, Anxiety etc.

The heart damages include thickening of heart walls and in severe cases cardiac insufficiency.

Treatment consists on treating underlying causes. Beta-blockers help in some cases. In the pre-operative period the anesthetist will also do a complete check up and will be prepared and aware of your cardiac health. Please talk to him about this too. If the Echo shows something, I am sure they will deal with it and then only proceed with surgery.

If no underlying causes, ( or physiological) generally there's no need for treatment.

If you didn't had previously health issues related to tachycardia ( fatigue, fainting, shortness of breath), then you have nothing to worry about, your surgery will not be cancelled.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta