What can prolonged tachycardia lead to if not monitored?

Prolonged tachycardia, which is an elevated heart rate sustained over an extended period, can lead to increased risk of cardiac complications due to several physiological factors. When the heart beats faster than normal, it typically doesn’t allow sufficient time for the heart chambers, especially the ventricles, to fill adequately with blood. This can result in reduced cardiac output, decreased perfusion of vital organs, and an increase in oxygen demand on the heart itself.

Additionally, sustained tachycardia can lead to myocardial ischemia, as the heart muscle may not receive enough blood supply to meet its heightened demand. Over time, this may contribute to the development of heart failure, arrhythmias, or even myocardial infarction.

Monitoring is essential because it allows for the identification of sustained tachycardia and enables timely interventions to prevent these serious complications. In contrast, options that suggest an improvement in cardiac function or a decreased risk of arrhythmias do not align with the physiological implications of prolonged tachycardia. Therefore, recognizing the increased risk of cardiac complications is crucial for patient safety and effective monitoring practices.