Summary about Disease
Fetal tachycardia is a condition where a fetus has a heart rate that is consistently faster than normal. The normal fetal heart rate ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute (bpm). Fetal tachycardia is generally defined as a heart rate consistently above 180 bpm. It can sometimes be a sign of a problem with the fetus's health, but in other cases, it may be benign.
Symptoms
Fetal tachycardia itself does not cause the mother to experience any symptoms. The only way to detect it is through monitoring the fetal heart rate.
Causes
The causes of fetal tachycardia can vary and include:
Maternal fever: An elevated maternal temperature can sometimes cause fetal tachycardia.
Maternal hyperthyroidism: If the mother has an overactive thyroid, this can sometimes affect the fetal heart rate.
Fetal anemia: A low red blood cell count in the fetus can cause the heart to beat faster.
Fetal infection: Infections in the fetus can lead to tachycardia.
Fetal cardiac abnormalities: Structural heart defects in the fetus can sometimes cause tachycardia.
Maternal medication: Certain medications taken by the mother can affect the fetal heart rate.
Idiopathic: In some cases, the cause of fetal tachycardia cannot be identified.
Medicine Used
The medications used to treat fetal tachycardia depend on the underlying cause.
For maternal hyperthyroidism: Medications like propylthiouracil (PTU) or methimazole may be used to control the mother's thyroid hormone levels, which can, in turn, affect the fetus.
Antiarrhythmic drugs: If the fetal tachycardia is due to an arrhythmia, medications like digoxin, flecainide, or sotalol may be administered to the mother to cross the placenta and treat the fetal arrhythmia.
Is Communicable
Fetal tachycardia itself is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease that can be passed from person to person. However, if the underlying cause is a maternal infection, that infection might be communicable.
Precautions
Precautions depend on the underlying cause.
If due to maternal fever: Treat the underlying infection causing the fever.
If due to maternal hyperthyroidism: Strict control of maternal thyroid levels is necessary.
Routine prenatal care: Regular prenatal visits allow for monitoring of the fetal heart rate and early detection of any abnormalities.
Avoidance of certain medications: Pregnant women should avoid medications known to cause fetal tachycardia unless specifically prescribed by their healthcare provider.
How long does an outbreak last?
Fetal tachycardia is not an outbreak in the traditional sense. It's a condition that can be transient or persistent, depending on the cause. Its duration depends on what is causing the increased heart rate, and the effectivness of the treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Fetal tachycardia is diagnosed through monitoring the fetal heart rate using:
Doppler ultrasound: A handheld device used during prenatal visits to listen to the fetal heartbeat.
Fetal heart rate monitoring (cardiotocography): A more continuous monitoring method used during labor or in cases where there are concerns about the fetal heart rate.
Fetal echocardiogram: A specialized ultrasound of the fetal heart used to assess its structure and function, and to identify any potential causes of the tachycardia.
Timeline of Symptoms
There are no symptoms a pregnant individual will experience. Fetal heart rate monitoring is the only method of detection.
Important Considerations
Fetal tachycardia can have serious implications for the fetus, including heart failure, hydrops fetalis (fluid buildup in the fetus), and even fetal death. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve outcomes. Close monitoring and consultation with specialists in maternal-fetal medicine and pediatric cardiology are essential.