How is tachycardia and atrial fibrillation treated?

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Treatment of tachycardia and atrial fibrillation mainly involves the following aspects of drug therapy. First, controlling the heart rate. When the heartbeat is too fast, under the guidance of a doctor, β-blockers such as metoprolol or drugs like digoxin can be administered regularly to control the heartbeat and improve symptoms. Second, anticoagulant therapy. Long-term episodes of atrial fibrillation can cause thrombosis in the left atrium, especially in the left atrial appendage. When the thrombus dislodges, it can cause thrombotic complications, such as a cerebral infarction. In such cases, long-term anticoagulant medication is necessary to prevent thrombosis, using drugs such as rivaroxaban or warfarin. Third, surgical treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation surgery, may potentially cure atrial fibrillation.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Is it serious if young people have tachycardia?

Because patients often experience this kind of tachycardia and do not need special treatment, if the patient experiences palpitations and chest tightness, sometimes active treatment is still necessary. It is recommended that patients go to the hospital for an electrocardiogram. Early coronary heart disease or myocardial ischemia can also cause tachycardia, but for asymptomatic tachycardia, it is only necessary to observe regularly. In terms of diet, it is still necessary to have a low-salt, low-fat diet, and regularly monitor changes in the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse. If the patient's blood pressure rises, sometimes it is necessary to actively manage it by using some antihypertensive drugs.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Can people with tachycardia drink coffee?

People with tachycardia are advised not to drink coffee. This is because coffee contains caffeine, which can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and increase heart rate. This is especially true for individuals with coronary heart disease, mental disorders, viral myocarditis, and rheumatic heart disease, who also experience tachycardia and should avoid coffee. Drinking coffee can lead to increased heart rate and additional burden on the heart, posing significant risks to the body. Patients with organic heart disease should generally consume less spicy, stimulating, and exciting foods to avoid increasing the heart's burden.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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What is the pulse rate for tachycardia?

Under normal circumstances, each heartbeat of a healthy individual generates one pulse, with the pulse rate being equal to the heart rate. During tachycardia, the pulse rate increases. If the heart rate and pulse rate are not the same, it indicates arrhythmia. This discrepancy between pulse rate and heart rate can be caused by severe arrhythmias, such as ventricular premature beats, atrial premature beats, atrial fibrillation, and significant atrioventricular block. This condition occurs because the strength and speed of heartbeats vary, with some weak heartbeats not being strong enough to be reflected in the pulse, leading to an inconsistency between heartbeats and pulse. This condition requires an electrocardiogram.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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How long will it take for tachycardia to get better?

If a patient experiences this kind of tachycardia, it is important to seek medical attention promptly, preferably conducting an electrocardiogram, as this can further clarify the diagnosis. Simple tachycardia does not require special treatment, as early-stage tachycardia can heal on its own or improve gradually. In terms of diet, it is still recommended that patients adhere to a light diet, particularly avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. If a patient experiences this kind of rapid heartbeat, they can use some medications to control the ventricular rate, thereby improving the symptoms.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Is tachycardia related to being overweight?

Tachycardia generally has no relation to obesity. Clinically, tachycardia can be categorized into sinus tachycardia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and other types, none of which have a definitive relation to obesity. There are many causes of tachycardia, such as fever, hyperthyroidism, and anemia. Additionally, certain structural heart diseases and pulmonary diseases can also lead to tachycardia. While obesity itself introduces a range of issues like hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and other metabolic abnormalities, which might affect the heart rate, this impact is usually not severe.