Tachycardia treatment
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Treatment of tachycardia depends on its type, cause and severity, as well as the patient's overall condition. Here is an overview of the main aspects:
- Diagnosis and evaluation:
- The doctor performs a diagnostic test to determine the type of tachycardia, its cause and severity.
- Electrocardiography (ECG) and Holter monitoring are used to record heart rhythm and arrhythmias.
- Treatment of the underlying cause: If tachycardia is caused by other medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) or anemia, treatment is aimed at correcting these problems.
- Medication treatment:
- Beta-blockers: These drugs slow the heart rate and can be used to treat different types of tachycardia. Examples: metoprolol, atenolol.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs: Used to control arrhythmias that may cause tachycardia. Examples: aminodarone, flecainide.
- Calcium channel inhibitors: May slow heart rate. Examples: verapamil, diltiazem.
- Digoxin: Increases cardiac contractility and controls heart rate.
- Adenosine: Used to interrupt certain arrhythmias.
- Electrical cardioversion: Used to restore normal heart rhythm in patients with severe arrhythmias.
- Ablation: An invasive procedure that removes or destroys areas of heart tissue that cause arrhythmias.
- Lifestylemanagement: Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, exercising moderately, and following a diet that limits caffeine and alcohol can help control tachycardia.
- Psychotherapy and stress management: If tachycardia is related to anxiety or stress, counseling with a psychologist or psychotherapist may be helpful.
Treatment for tachycardia should always be supervised by a qualified cardiologist, and the treatment plan will depend on the specific circumstances of each case. This is not an exhaustive list of treatments and it is important to discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan with a medical professional to choose the best approach.
Treatment of tachycardia with medications
Treatment of tachycardia with medications depends on the type and cause of tachycardia, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient. Only a doctor can prescribe the best treatment and dosages. Here are some of the possible medications and their dosages that can be used in the treatment of tachycardia:
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Beta-blockers:
- Examples: metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol.
- Dosage: Dosage depends on the specific drug and the degree of tachycardia, but usually starts with low doses and is gradually increased under a doctor's supervision.
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Antiarrhythmic drugs:
- Examples: aminodarone, flecainide, lidocaine.
- Dosage: Dosage is determined by a doctor depending on the type of arrhythmia and severity of the condition.
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Calcium channel inhibitors:
- Examples: verapamil, diltiazem.
- Dosage: The dosage will be prescribed by your doctor based on the type of tachycardia and other factors.
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Adenosine:
- Example: adenosine (usually administered intravenously).
- Dosage: Dosage and route of administration are determined by the physician and depend on the type of arrhythmia and its response to treatment.
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Digoxin:
- Example: digoxin (usually in tablet form).
- Dosage: The dosage will be determined by the doctor, based on the indications and individual characteristics of the patient.
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Sedatives or anxiolytics: In some cases, tachycardia may be caused by stress or anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe sedatives, such as diazepam, to reduce anxiety.
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Magnesium: For some types of tachycardia, especially if they are associated with low magnesium levels, magnesium may be prescribed by a doctor.
These are just some of the possible medications that can be used for tachycardia. Dosages and the choice of specific medications depend on many factors, and only a physician can determine the best treatment plan for each patient. Never start medication treatment on your own; always follow your doctor's recommendations and prescriptions.
Treatment of tachycardia with normal blood pressure
May involve the use of certain medications, depending on the type of tachycardia and its cause. The following are some medications that may be prescribed by a doctor to treat tachycardia:
- Beta-blockers: These drugs, such as metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, and others, can help lower the heart rate as well as reduce the force of the heart's contractions. They are usually the first line of treatment for tachycardia, especially if it is related to stress or arrhythmias.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs: In some cases where tachycardia is associated with arrhythmia, specific antiarrhythmic drugs such as amidarone, flecainide or propafenone may be prescribed.
- Digoxin: This drug may be used to manage tachycardia in normal blood pressure, especially when the tachycardia is associated with heart failure.
- Calcium antagonists: These drugs, such as verapamil or diltiazem, can help lower heart rate and control tachycardia, especially if it is caused by arrhythmias or other cardiac causes.
- Antidepressants: In some cases where tachycardia is associated with panic attacks or stress, antidepressants may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
Treatment should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor, as the choice of medication depends on the type and cause of tachycardia, as well as on the individual characteristics of the patient. It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations, take the medication as prescribed and undergo regular examinations to assess the effectiveness of treatment. If you experience tachycardia, be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and prescription of optimal treatment.
Treatment of tachycardia with high blood pressure
Usually involves medication under the supervision of a doctor. The aim of the treatment is to reduce the heart rate and lower the blood pressure to normal values. Here are some of the medications that can be used in such cases:
- Beta-blockers: These drugs, such as metoprolol, atenolol, and propranolol, can reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. They block the effects of adrenaline on the heart muscle and blood vessels, which helps reduce tachycardia and blood pressure.
- Calcium antagonists: Drugs such as verapamil and diltiazem can help reduce the contractility of the heart and lower the heart rate. They can also dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
- ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors: Drugs in this group, such as enalapril and lisinopril, help lower blood pressure, reduce the workload on the heart, and control tachycardia.
- Angiotensin II receptor antagonists: Drugs such as losartan and valsartan can also help lower blood pressure and control heart rate.
- Other antiarrhythmic drugs: In some cases, if the tachycardia is arrhythmic in nature, other antiarrhythmic drugs such as amidarone, flecainide, or adenosine may be prescribed.
- Diuretics: If high blood pressure is accompanied by swelling, diuretics such as furosemide may be prescribed to remove excess fluid from the body.
Treatment of tachycardia and high blood pressure should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, as the choice of medication and dosage depend on the specific clinical case and individual characteristics of the patient. It is also important to consider possible side effects and interactions with other medications that the patient may be taking.
Treatment of tachycardia at home
Can be effective, but always requires caution and should be done under the advice of a doctor. If you experience tachycardia and are unsure of its cause, or if it becomes excessively severe or prolonged, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Here are some actions you can take at home to manage tachycardia:
- Breathing in and outdeeply: Try breathing in and out slowly and deeply through your nose and mouth. This can help calm your nervous system and reduce your heart rate.
- Vagal maneuvers: Vagal maneuvers can help slow your heart rate. You can try applying a cold compress to your face or immersing your face in cold water, massaging the vagus nerve in the neck area, or tensing up as you would when trying to do a stance.
- Laying down: Lie down or sit up and try to relax. Maintain calm breathing and avoid physical activity.
- Massaging a slightly depressed area: Gently massaging the area under the sternum (nastochnica) can help slow the heart rate.
- Drink water: Sometimes dehydration can contribute to tachycardia. Try drinking a glass of water.
- Avoiding triggers: If you have knowntriggers for tachycardia (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, stress), try to avoid them.
- Monitor blood pressure: Measure your blood pressure to make sure it is normal. High blood pressure can make tachycardia worse.
It is important to note that these methods may help with mild tachycardia, but are not always effective. If the palpitations do not resolve or become more intense, seek medical attention. Tachycardia can be the result of serious cardiac arrhythmias, and your doctor may require additional tests and medication.
How to treat heart tachycardia with folk remedies?
Tachycardia (accelerated heart rate) can be caused by a variety of reasons, and folk remedy treatment can be effective in some cases. However, before starting folk remedy treatment, especially if you have a serious medical problem, you should consult your doctor to make sure it is safe and appropriate for your particular case. Here are some folk remedies that can help manage tachycardia:
- Breathing exercises: Deep, slow breathing can help lower your heart rate and stress levels. Try inhaling slowly through your nose, holding your breath for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth.
- Melissa: Melissa (lemon balm) is known for its calming effect on the nervous system. You can brew melissa as a tea and consume it to reduce stress and tachycardia.
- Geranium: Geranium has soothing properties and can help lower your heart rate. You can make tea from dried chasteberry and consume it.
- Valerian: Valerian tincture may help reduce anxiety and tachycardia. Consult your doctor for dosage.
- Lavender: Lavender fragrance oil can be used to relax and reduce stress. You can add a few drops of lavender oil to your bath or use it for aromatherapy.
- Honey and Walnuts: The combination of honey and walnuts can help strengthen the heart muscle and reduce heart rate.
- Hot face compress: Dip your face in hot water or apply a hot compress to your face. This can help lower your heart rate by dilating your blood vessels.
Remember that folk remedies can be helpful, but are not always appropriate for all cases of tachycardia. If your tachycardia becomes excessively intense, prolonged or accompanied by other serious symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will be able to perform additional tests and determine the best treatment for your particular case.