Tachycardia. What is it and what you should do.

Based on the blood pressure reading you provided:

• Systolic pressure: 137 mmHg (millimeters of mercury)
• Diastolic pressure: 89 mmHg
• Pulse: 138 beats per minute (bpm)

Here’s an interpretation:

• Blood Pressure:
  • Systolic pressure (137 mmHg) is slightly elevated, indicating a stage 1 hypertension (130-139 mmHg).
  • Diastolic pressure (89 mmHg) is within the normal range (60-90 mmHg).
• Pulse (138 bpm):
  • This is a significantly elevated heart rate, indicating tachycardia (normal range is 60-100 bpm).

Possible scenarios:

1. Anxiety or stress: This could be a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate due to stress or anxiety.
2. Physical activity: Recent physical activity or exercise could have caused the increased heart rate and blood pressure.
3. Underlying medical condition: This reading may indicate an underlying condition such as hypertension, tachycardia, or other cardiovascular issues. Tachycardia is a medical condition characterized by a heart rate that exceeds the normal range for a given age and physical condition. In adults, a heart rate above 100 beats per minute (bpm) is considered tachycardia.

There are different types of tachycardia, including:

1. Sinus tachycardia: A rapid heart rate that originates from the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart’s natural pacemaker.
2. Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (AF with RVR): A type of irregular heartbeat that can lead to a rapid heart rate.
3. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): A rapid heart rate that originates above the ventricles.
4. Ventricular tachycardia (VT): A rapid heart rate that originates in the ventricles.

Tachycardia can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Caffeine
• Exercise
• Dehydration
• Certain medications
• Underlying medical conditions like thyroid disease or arrhythmias

Symptoms of tachycardia may include:

• Rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

If you’re experiencing tachycardia, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.