Tachycardia in Pregnancy
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2026

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System
Published on: May 5, 2018
Rachel L Wiley1, Nicky L Herrick2, Maryam Tarsa1
1Division of Materal Featl Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gyencology and Reproductive Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gillman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
Abstract:
Tachycardia is a common physiologic finding in pregnancy due to increased blood volume and sympathetic activity, with heart rate typically rising by 15 to 20 bpm and peaking in the third trimester. However, persistent tachycardia may signal underlying pathology, including cardiac, endocrine, infectious, or hematologic conditions. A resting heart rate above 110 bpm should prompt further evaluation. Because cardiac disease remains a leading cause of maternal mortality, distinguishing benign physiologic changes from clinically significant conditions is critical. This article outlines a structured approach to evaluating pregnant patients with tachycardia, emphasizing early identification, risk stratification to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Increased pulse rate
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Decreased pulse rate
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with bradycardia...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...

