Tachycardia refers to any heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute (bpm). This can originate from the top of the heart and above the ventricle, called a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), or from the ventricle (bottom chamber). Patients may have no symptoms. Tachycardia is more common with increasing age. For patients who do experience symptoms, these include palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and skipped beats, they may require cardiac investigations under the supervision of a Cardiologist or Cardiac Physiologist. Symptoms of an irregular heartbeat can very unpleasant. Loss of consciousness may result if the heart rate becomes too rapid and some patients are at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). An implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) can treat fast heart rhythms. A patient who also has heart failure may be prescribed an ICD that can also alleviate some heart failure symptoms and this device is called a cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) device. Tachycardia devices can terminate tachycardias with pacing or shock therapy.

ICD Devices