I'm trying to understand something that's been bothering me. What's the difference between sinus tachycardia and arrhythmia? And does having sinus tachycardia mean I have an arrhythmia? I'm really anxious about this and would appreciate some clarity.
Sinus tachycardia is a type of arrhythmia, but not all arrhythmias are sinus tachycardia. Sinus tachycardia is a normal increase in heart rate in response to factors such as exercise, stress, or illness. It originates from the sinus node in the heart. On the other hand, arrhythmia is a broader term that encompasses any abnormality in the heart's rhythm. It includes conditions like atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and others. If you have sinus tachycardia, it means your heart is beating faster than normal, but it is still following a regular pattern.