CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL
Tachycardia, defined as a heart rate over 120 beats per minute, can be caused by fever, acute haemorrhage, hypoxia, thyrotoxicosis, severe anaemia, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, medications, or severe electrolyte imbalances. Symptoms often include shortness of breath, pallor, and weakness. Diagnostic tests include blood tests, echocardiogram, arterial blood gases, and imaging studies depending on the underlying cause.
Cause | Symptoms and Signs | Diagnostic Tests |
|---|---|---|
Fever | Elevated body temperature, tachycardia | Temperature measurement, blood tests to identify the cause of fever |
Acute Haemorrhage | Sudden blood loss, tachycardia, pallor | Blood tests, imaging studies |
Hypoxia | Shortness of breath, cyanosis, tachycardia | Arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry |
Thyrotoxicosis | Weight loss, nervousness, tachycardia | Thyroid hormone levels, TSH receptor antibodies |
Severe Anaemia | Fatigue, pallor, weakness, tachycardia | Complete blood count, ferritin, iron levels |
Heart Failure | Shortness of breath, oedema, tachycardia | Echocardiogram, natriuretic peptides, electrocardiogram (ECG) |
Pulmonary Embolism | Chest pain, shortness of breath, tachycardia | Pulmonary angiography, chest computed tomography (CT) |
Medications and Drugs | Varies depending on the substance, possible tachycardia | Medical history, blood tests |
Severe Electrolyte Imbalances | Dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, tachycardia | Blood electrolytes, ECG |
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