Understanding Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Sinus tachycardia is a medical term to describe a condition when the heart beats faster than normal. When it happens without explanation, it is called IST or inappropriate sinus tachycardia. If you think you may have issues with your cardiovascular health, learn more about common conditions, including the causes and symptoms of IST. Dr. Alireza Nazeri at Mobitz AFib Clinic can diagnose and treat inappropriate sinus tachycardia in Houston, TX.

Causes of Sinus Tachycardia

Faster than normal heart rhythm affects just about everyone at some point, as heart rates can increase during exercise, after consuming too much caffeine, when smoking tobacco or in the midst of stressful situations. Inappropriate sinus tachycardia is when the heart rate is faster than 100 beats per minute without an appropriate trigger. The patient could be sitting down, resting or doing light activity and the heart rate is in an abnormal range. IST can be caused by:

• Heredity
• Problem with nerve signals
• Hyperthyroidism
• Anxiety disorder
• Viral infection
• Anemia
• Heart disease
• Fever or pain reaction

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia

Some of the most obvious symptoms of inappropriate sinus tachycardia include problems catching your breath, feeling the heart beating faster, dizziness and chest pain. Your Houston, TX, doctor can diagnose inappropriate sinus tachycardia using an electrocardiogram, stress test, X-rays, blood tests and other appropriate cardiovascular exams. You can also monitor your heart rate daily using home tests and heart monitor devices.

Treatments for Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia

In some cases, the doctor may recommend a wait and see approach to managing IST, then take further action if it doesn’t resolve on its own. When caught early, inappropriate sinus tachycardia in Houston, TX may be treated successfully in the following ways before more serious symptoms have a chance to develop:

• Treat the underlying condition if it is anemia, hyperthyroidism or an infection
• Heart medication
• Implementation of dietary restrictions and regular exercise

Get Help from a Cardiologist

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia can be a sign that you need cardiovascular treatment and monitoring. Call (713) 909-3166 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nazeri at Mobitz AFib Clinic for diagnosis and treatment of inappropriate sinus tachycardia in Houston, TX.