The result is less blood flow throughout the body. Not all tachycardias are abnormal conditions. Our hearts beat rapidly in response to exercise or anxiety. During these times, the electrical signals and rhythmic beats follow the same cycle as a resting heart only at a much faster rate. But certain conditions can interrupt this normal cycle, causing a rapid heartbeat.
Ventricular tachycardia can result when a rapid rhythm begins in the ventricles.
The ventricles respond by pumping faster than the atria. The lack of oxygen-enriched blood causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. WebMD is an independent provider of healthcare news and information on the web. Other medical conditions such as thyroid disease, certain lung diseases, electrolyte imbalance, and and alcohol and drug abuse. Tachyarrhythmias are diagnosed and treated by a heart rhythm specialist called an electrophysiologist .