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What Is the Difference between Tachycardia and Bradycardia?

Jennifer Long
Jennifer Long

Tachycardia and bradycardia are both changes in the normal heartbeat. Bradycardia is the term used to describe an abnormally slow heartbeat, whereas tachycardia is used to denote the occurrence of an abnormally rapid heartbeat. Each of these two conditions has different symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Although tachycardia and bradycardia both alter the heartbeat, each affects it differently. When a person’s resting or sleeping heart rate rises above the normal range of 60 to 100 beats per minute, the person is suffering from tachycardia. With tachycardia, one or both of the chambers of the heart beats faster than the other. Bradycardia occurs when one or both of the chambers beat slower than 60 beats per minute.

Tachycardia refers to a rapid heart rate, whereas bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate.
Tachycardia refers to a rapid heart rate, whereas bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate.

The symptoms of each condition make for another difference between the two. In addition to the changes in heart rates, other symptoms occur as a result of altered heart rates. Tachycardia can cause chest pain, dizziness, and fainting. Symptoms of bradycardia include shortness of breath, a drop in blood pressure, and extreme fatigue. In rare instances, a patient with either of these conditions may not experience any symptoms other than the change in heart rate.

Patients with bradycardia and tachycardia have an abnormal heart rhythm.
Patients with bradycardia and tachycardia have an abnormal heart rhythm.

The causes of these conditions are also different. Tachycardia can be caused by congenital abnormalities, heart disease, and some types of lung diseases. It can also be caused by substance abuse and a reaction to some medications. Causes of bradycardia include electrolyte imbalances, hypothyroidism, and blood pressure medication side effects. Coronary diseases that cause damage to the electrical system of the heart can also lead to bradycardia.

Common symptoms of bradycardia include high blood pressure and fatigue.
Common symptoms of bradycardia include high blood pressure and fatigue.

Treatments for tachycardia and bradycardia are dependent on the symptoms and causes. For tachycardia, common treatments include anti-arrhythmic medications that slow down the heartbeat and cardioversion, which uses electrical pulses to reset the rhythm of the heart. Treatments for bradycardia include a pacemaker implant and treating underlying conditions causing a slow heart rate. In many instances, if symptoms are minimal or do not exist, treatment may be delayed until a proper diagnosis is obtained.

Tachycardia may occur as a result of drug abuse.
Tachycardia may occur as a result of drug abuse.

Tachycardia and bradycardia are two different conditions, but they both affect the heart. A rapid heart rate causes the heart to work too hard and cause blood to flow too rapidly through the body. Slowed heart rates reduce the amount of blood and oxygen to vital organs. With blood flow affected, damage to vital organs and the brain can occur. If symptoms are experienced, it is important to seek medical treatment to avoid potential damage.

Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

I know arrhythmia can happen to anyone and there are medical tests that have to be done to diagnose it.

But can someone have both tachycardia and bradycardia in different situations? When I exercise, I feel like my hearbeat goes up very high. And then there are times when my heartbeat seems slower than usual.

stoneMason

@ZipLine-- Blood pressure and heartbeat (also called heart rate or pulse rate) are not the same.

Blood pressure is the pressure applied on the arteries by blood. Heartbeat is how many times the heart beats per minute.

Someone who has tachycardia and bradycardia may experience symptoms. For example, tachycardia patients can feel their heart pounding and may develop restlessness and anxiety. Those with bradycardia may experience slowness in their movements and slow breathing.

But the only technical way to know if you have tachycardia or bradycardia is to count your heartbeat. You can do this by placing your index and middle finger on the inside of your wrist. When you feel your pulse, look at your watch and count the number of beats for fifteen seconds. Then, multiply by four to get the number of beats per minute.

ZipLine

Whenever my mom's blood pressure increases, she says that she has tachycardia. Can someone tell if they have tachycardia or bradycardia easily?

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    • Tachycardia refers to a rapid heart rate, whereas bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Tachycardia refers to a rapid heart rate, whereas bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate.
    • Patients with bradycardia and tachycardia have an abnormal heart rhythm.
      By: Shakzu
      Patients with bradycardia and tachycardia have an abnormal heart rhythm.
    • Common symptoms of bradycardia include high blood pressure and fatigue.
      By: Monkey Business
      Common symptoms of bradycardia include high blood pressure and fatigue.
    • Tachycardia may occur as a result of drug abuse.
      By: aaabbc
      Tachycardia may occur as a result of drug abuse.
    • An individual with bradycardia may have a radial pulse that is difficult to detect.
      By: joshya
      An individual with bradycardia may have a radial pulse that is difficult to detect.
    • Hypothyroidism may cause bradycardia.
      By: stockshoppe
      Hypothyroidism may cause bradycardia.
    • Receiving a blood transfusion may lead to an abnormally rapid heartbeat.
      By: Max Tactic
      Receiving a blood transfusion may lead to an abnormally rapid heartbeat.
    • Bradycardia may be accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath and extreme fatigue.
      By: DURIS Guillaume
      Bradycardia may be accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath and extreme fatigue.
    • Dizziness may occur as a result of altered heart rate.
      By: Halfpoint
      Dizziness may occur as a result of altered heart rate.
    • Extreme fatigue is often a major symptom of bradycardia.
      By: Halfpoint
      Extreme fatigue is often a major symptom of bradycardia.