Title:Challenges in Treatment of Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia
VOLUME: 14 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):Mohammed Ruzieh*, Abdelmoniem Moustafa, Ebrahim Sabbagh, Mohammad M. Karim and Saima Karim
Affiliation:Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614,, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614
Keywords:Clinical syndrome, symptoms, diagnosis, tachycardia, EKG, IST, sinus, arrhythmia, tachycardia.
Abstract:Background: Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST) is a clinical syndrome characterized
by a sinus heart rate inexplicably higher than one hundred beats per minute at rest that is associated
with symptoms like palpitations, dyspnea or dizziness in the absence of primary causes of
tachycardia.
The diagnosis requires exclusion of other causes of tachycardia including medications/substances
(such as anti-cholinergic, beta-blocker withdrawal, caffeine, and alcohol) or medical conditions
(such as panic attacks, pulmonary embolism, fever, hyperthyroidism, hypovolemia, anemia, and
pain).
Methods: Work up should include an EKG to differentiate other causes of tachycardia, 24 hour-
Holter monitor if indicated, serum thyroid levels, hemoglobin levels and toxicology screen. Electrophysiological
studies are not routinely recommended, but should be considered in certain patients
in whom concurrent supraventricular tachycardia is suspected.
Conclusion: The underlying pathology in IST is yet to be completely understood. However, it is
thought that the causes of IST can be broadly classified into two groups; either as an intrinsic increase
in sinus node automaticity or an extrinsic cause. Among extrinsic causes, there is evolving
evidence that IgG anti-β receptor antibodies are found in IST causing tachycardia.
Managing patients with IST includes lifestyle modification, non-pharmacological and pharmacological
interventions. Ivabradine has recently emerged as an effective treatment of IST and was
shown to be superior to beta-blockers.
