DiagnosisTachycardia consultation at Mayo Clinic Show
A thorough physical exam, medical history and testing are required to diagnose tachycardia. Note: Items within this content were created prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and do not demonstrate proper pandemic protocols. Please follow all recommended Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for masking and social distancing. To diagnose tachycardia, a health care provider will usually do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, health habits and medical history. TestsTests, including cardiac imaging tests, may be done to confirm an unusually fast heartbeat and look for conditions that can cause an irregular heart rhythm (arrythmia). Tests to diagnose tachycardia may include:
TreatmentThe goals of tachycardia treatment are to slow a rapid heartbeat when it occurs and to prevent future episodes of a fast heart rate. If another medical condition is causing tachycardia, treating the underlying problem may reduce or prevent episodes of a fast heartbeat. Slowing a fast heart rateA fast heart rate may correct itself. But sometimes medication or other medical treatments are needed to slow down the heartbeat. Ways to slow a fast heart rate include:
Preventing future episodes of a fast heart rateThe treatment of tachycardia involves taking steps to prevent the heart from beating too fast. This may involve medication, implanted devices, or other surgeries or procedures.
An implantable device, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), may be used to treat some types of tachycardia. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and
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communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Lifestyle and home remediesIf you have tachycardia or any type of heart disease, your health care provider will likely recommend following a heart-healthy lifestyle. Take these steps:
Alternative medicineStress-relief techniques, such as meditation and yoga, might help slow the heartbeat and reduce tachycardia symptoms Coping and supportIf you have a plan in place to manage an episode of a fast heartbeat, you may feel calmer and more in control when one occurs. Ask your health care provider:
Seeking support from family and friends also may help reduce stress and better manage tachycardia. Preparing for your appointmentIf you have tachycardia, you'll likely be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions (cardiologist). Because there's often a lot to discuss, it's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from the health care provider. What you can doMake a list ahead of time that you can share with your health care provider. Your list should include:
Basic questions to ask your health care provider include:
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your health care provider, don't hesitate to ask additional questions. What to expect from your doctorYour health care provider is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may save time to go over any details you want to spend more time on. Your health care provider may ask:
What drugs decreases heart rate?Commonly used drugs that lower HR include beta blockers (βBs), non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers and ivabradine. All of these agents inhibit sinus node activity.
What drug lowers your heart rate the most?The two types of medication most commonly used to slow a racing heart are: Beta-blockers. Calcium channel blockers.
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