Study note

Clinical manifestations of tachycardia and bradycardia

THE CONTEXT

Many arrhythmias are asymptomatic, but sustained or extreme disturbances of heart rate can cause symptoms and serious outcomes.

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Sustained tachycardias typically cause rapid palpitation, dizziness, chest discomfort or breathlessness.

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Extreme tachycardias can cause syncope because the heart cannot fill properly at extreme rates.

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Bradycardias tend to produce symptoms of low cardiac output, including fatigue, lightheadedness and syncope.

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Extreme bradycardias or tachycardias can precipitate sudden death or cardiac arrest.

NEETx

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