Sinus Tachyarrhythmia

ABSTRACT

Sinus tachycardia is an accelerated rhythm in which the rate of impulses arising from the sinoatrial node is elevated. Uncontrolled sinus tachycardia may result in a poor prognosis, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease, because of a hemodynamic disturbance arising from the tachycardia itself. When sinus tachycardia is specifically triggered by anemia, shock, or fever, it is referred to as physiological sinus tachycardia. Physiological sinus tachycardia should resolve with correction of the underlying cause. Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is unexplained by physiological demand. Palpitation is the most frequent symptom in IST patients. Even though treatment of IST has insufficient efficacy and a relatively high recurrence rate, several treatment strategies such as use of a β-blocker, ivabradine, and radiofrequency catheter ablation can be used for IST patients.