What are common symptoms of a tachyarrhythmia?

Tachyarrhythmias, which are characterized by an abnormally fast heart rate, often present with a specific set of symptoms due to the rapid heartbeat and its impact on the body's hemodynamics. Palpitations are a common symptom, as patients frequently become aware of their heart racing or fluttering. Dizziness can arise when the heart's efficiency in pumping blood is compromised, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain. Shortness of breath can occur as the heart struggles to meet the oxygen demands of the body, particularly during physical activity or even at rest in severe cases. Chest pain may be a result of inadequate coronary perfusion due to the increased heart rate and decreased filling time, which can cause ischemic symptoms, especially in individuals with underlying coronary artery disease.

In contrast, other symptoms listed in the options do not typically correlate with tachyarrhythmias. For instance, severe headache and blurred vision are more indicative of other conditions, potentially pointing towards neurological issues rather than directly related to heart rhythm disturbances. Similarly, fatigue and sudden weight loss can arise from numerous systemic conditions and are not specific to tachyarrhythmias. Lastly, nausea and persistent coughing might be symptomatic of various gastrointestinal or pulmonary conditions and, while they could occur in