AFIB vs Tachycardia – Difference and Comparison

What is AFIB?

AFIB or Atrial Fibrillation is the condition of increased heartbeat that may lead to clotting of blood in the heart. The severity of this condition differs from person to person. The discrepancy between the heart’s upper and lower chambers, namely the atria and ventricles respectively, is what causes atrial fibrillation.

AFIB is moderately common. Its symptoms include pounding heart rate, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness. Although some people having AFIB may not experience all of these symptoms.

The episodes of AFIB may persist or come and go. Depending upon the time frame they can be classified further. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation lasts for a few minutes to hours. The symptoms come and go without the help of any medication. In persistent AFIB the heart rate does not go back to normal on its own. Cardioversion or treatment is required.

The most common cause of Atrial Fibrillation is a defect in the heart structure. Other causes may include coronary artery disease, sick sinus syndrome, heart valve problems, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc. The risk of AFIB increases with age and other chronic problems. Therefore, proper treatment and care are advised.

The result of AFIB is a blood clot in the heart which is a risky complication. The chaotic rhythm in the atria causes blood to collect. If it breaks free and travels to the brain, it may lead to severe strokes.

What is Tachycardia?

Tachycardia, a mild form of arrhythmia, is a medical condition where the heartbeat goes over 100 beats per minute (normal heartbeat being seventy to eighty per minute). The type of tachycardiac condition varies with the part of the heart responsible for such uneven rhythm.

The various types of Tachycardia are Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter, Ventricular Tachycardia, Supraventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Fibrillation. While the first two types are caused by the upper chambers of the heart (the atria), the other types are caused by irregularities in the ventricles or the lower chambers of the heart.

This being a mild condition has very common symptoms. They include pounding of the heart, shortness of breath, rapid pulse rate, etc. Some of the more serious symptoms include fainting or lightheadedness. Having a family history of heart conditions can increase the risk of Tachycardia.

The causes of tachycardia can be anything, be it physical activity, high level of caffeine consumption, or fever. It also can be caused because of stress. Due to the common nature of its causes, it is considered to be a minor disorder.  

Difference Between AFIB and Tachycardia

1. AFIB is an irregularity in the heart rate that leads to blood clots. On the other hand, Tachycardia results in a heartbeat going above 100 beats per minute.
2. The severity of AFIB is more than that of tachycardia. The former may lead to blood clots that result in strokes. Whereas, the latter has a minor risk factor.
3. AFIC causes are high blood pressure, lung diseases, or other heart diseases. Whereas tachycardia has trivial causes such as increased caffeine consumption, exercise, or stress.
4. For AIFB age and other heart conditions are the risk components. Whereas, for Tachycardia age and unhealthy lifestyle are the main risk factors.
5. Severe cases of AFIB may need surgery or cardioversion. While tachycardia may be treated using medications and, in some cases, surgery.

Comparison Between AFIB and Tachycardia