Education

Alright, here we go. I would like to learn you kiddos a thing or two here. I think education is very important, and I get questions about my condition all the time. My diagnosis in inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Literally, an fast heart beat that is abnormally fast almost all the time. An inappropriate sinus tachycardia originates from the sinus node, therefore it is not associated with an abnormal electrical rhythm on an ECG strip.

An inappropriate sinus tachycardia rhythm on an ECG strip
Photo courtesy of http://www.geocities.ws/inappropriatesinustachy/testsanddiagnosis.html

Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia is characterized by a mean heart rate of greater than 90 beats per minute over a 24 hour period. The heart rate increases inappropriately with minimal physical assertion. Usually an increase of heart rate to 140-150 with something so simple as just standing up and walking across a room. Occasionally, hypotension and syncope (fainting) are observed. A nocturnal dip in heart rate is also seen with this condition. Other symptoms seen with inappropriate sinus tachycardia are a GI disturbance, pre-syncope, dizziness, extreme fatigue, palpitations, paresthesia (abnormal sensation of numbness or tingling), polydipsia (extreme thirst), shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, headaches, general malaise, and many more.

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia is a form of dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is defined as any disease or malfunction of the autonomic nervous system by the Mayo Clinic. The autonomic nervous system is what controls most body functions that you don't have to think about, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, sweating, and so on. 

photo courtesy of dysautonomiasos.tumblr.com

There are several different treatment methods seen for inappropriate sinus tachycardia. The most common being maintenance with beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmic drugs. Success has been seen using some treatments such as fludrocortisone combined with weekly (or more so as necessary) IV saline infusions. Another, but more invasive treatment, is a catheter ablation. The draw back with catheter ablations is that it is usually only a temporary solution. The effects tend to diminish over the course of six months after and patient generally see themselves back in the same position as they were in before. 

• "Isn't that just when your heart beats fast? Mine does that all the time!
• NO! It's not the same thing! An appropriate sinus tachycardia is an increase in heart rate that is an appropriate response. Like for instance, if you run a mile and your heart rate is steadily 140-150bpm, that would be an appropriate sinus tachycardia. An inappropriate sinus tachycardia is a fast heart beat originating from the sinus node of the heart, but is abnormal for the situation which you are in. For instance, an abnormally high resting heart rate (waking up and having a heart rate of 90-100bpm)
• "Can't you just take deep breaths and slow it down?"
• NO! An inappropriate sinus tachycardia is a malfunction in the autonomic nervous system. This means the body is essentially confused, forcing itself to beat irregularly fast.

Any other questions? Ask me! I'll do my best to answer. I am only a patient. 

**Most of this knowledge has come from research I have done myself after being diagnosed. I am not a doctor, or medical professional. I am not trying to diagnose anyone. I am not trying to give medical advice to anyone. I am merely trying to help people understand what I have been trying for months to get a better idea on.**