Episode 1

  
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  : Dear  Vicki,
  : Thank you for your question. There are many causes of tachycardia  (fast heart beat) and they can be divided roughly into sinus (originating from the sinus node or heart's natural pacemaker) and non-sinus tachycardias.  
  
  Dear Dr.,
  Thank you for your response and your time.  I do have a few other questions.  What tests should the doctor be running to rule out problems? (as in finding out which type of tachycardia is occuring)
   When are the tests deemed necessary?
  Thank you for your time,
  Vickie
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Dear Viki,
That's kind of a complex question and really beyond the scope of this forum.  The testing will be guided by the history, physical and the doctor's thoughts.  In general it will include an EKG, basic lab tests and further testing as indicated.  Sorry I can't be more specific but it really just depends.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.