What Causes Tachycardia In An Elderly Person?
Most likely benign
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
First I need to know the symptoms of the patients, because depending upon the symptoms we would investigate the patient. Most of the times this a benign and simple problem without any risk.
It could be just a simple things like anxiety, low hemoglobin or thyroid problems, and anxiety is a commonest cause where medicine like revelol or other is prescribed. Prognosis is very good, no significant threat to life and no future problems. So patient should be tested once for hemoglobin and thyroid. If having anxiety, then should also use relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing etc.
High pulse rate could be arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation or psvt. Here the patients will have episodic high heart rate associated with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness etc. ECG can be normal because it is done between the episodes. Now, patient should count the pulse rate during the episode and it will high usually more than 140-150. Should try to get ecg done during episodes to rule out this possibility. Also, another option is to wear holter monitoring device, which is a ecg device worn for 24 hr and pick abnormal heart rhythm if there, if symptoms are occurring on daily basis.
Also, in general he should get sugars both fasting and post lunch and fasting Lipid profile done. Have healthy lifestyle like healthy diet, regular exercises.
Overall, most likely this a benign cause, get investigation done and get back with more information like symptoms, maximum pulse rate reached etc and if have any doubts.