How long for Tachycardia?

Question

I have a pre-existing condition that makes it difficult to speak, not impossible but it just requires more effort for me to get sound out. The pre-existing condition is called repetitive growth laryngeal papillomas. The month of January I have had bad allergies which makes it even more difficult to talk. Tonight I started back teaching which requires lots of talking. After two hours of teaching and straining my voice I noticed slight palpitations. I get them from time to time and just thought it was nerves and excitement from starting a new class. After the class I noticed that my heart rate was elevated and that I was almost feeling dizzy. Over four hours later mu heart rate is over 150 beats per minute. I have no pre-existing diagnosed heart conditions but I've never experienced this high of a rate for this long. How long do I let it go before going to the er without insurance coverage?

ireneo · Answer

Most likely it did no damage. I have PSVT, a type of tachy that starts without warning and then stops suddenly after a period of time. I've had my HR close to 200 bpm and it ran for 30-45 minutes. Not as long as yours but I've also had this for all my life with tachy episodes coming several times a week and I'm 60 now. My heart is doing just fine. 

This may have been a one time thing for you with all the excitement of teaching again. If you continue to have this happen, it would be good to get it checked out. Congrats on the job.

Bunny_Beat · Answer

I understood that awareness of heart beat is arrhythmia and that a steady heart rate above 100 bpm is termed as tachycardia (a symptom not a diagnosis). It is better now but it was 168 bpm for over 4 hours. I believe it was brought on by lack of oxygen coupled with the excitement and nerves of starting the new class. Is this dangerous for my heart? Does it do any damage to beat that high for that long?

DrAnitha · Answer

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Awareness of your heartbeat is termed as palpitations. Anxiety, fear or stress can cause palpitations. It can also be due to hyperthyroidism( overactive thyroid), arrhythmias (altered electrical system of the heart), certain medications, heart failure, anemia and low blood sugar. It can be aggravated by exercise, fever, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and dehydration. 

If your symptoms of dizziness persist, you should go for an evaluation.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.