Polycardia is a medical term used to describe the condition characterized by an abnormally high resting heart rate. It is derived from the Greek words "poly," meaning many or excessive, and "cardia," referring to the heart. This condition is often used interchangeably with tachycardia, although there may be slight differences in their clinical definitions and underlying causes.
In individuals with polycardia, the heart beats at a significantly faster rate than the normal range, which is typically considered to be around 60-100 beats per minute. However, the specific threshold for defining polycardia may vary depending on age, underlying health conditions, and physical activity level.
Polycardia can be categorized into various types such as sinus tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia, depending on the specific part of the heart that is affected. It can occur due to several factors, including physical exertion, emotional stress, certain medications, hormonal imbalances, heart diseases, electrolyte disturbances, and even excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol.
Symptoms of polycardia may include rapid or fluttering heartbeat, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pain, and fainting. The diagnosis of polycardia typically involves the measurement of the heart rate through various techniques such as electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise stress test, or ambulatory electrocardiogram (Holter monitor).
Treatment options for polycardia depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. They may include lifestyle modifications, medication to control heart rate or rhythm, catheter-based procedures, such as ablation, or sometimes implantation of a pacemaker.
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