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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Can someone with tachycardia do heavy work?

If the patient experiences tachycardia, it is recommended that the patient avoid strenuous physical labor, as engaging in heavy physical activity at this time may increase the cardiac load, further exacerbating myocardial ischemia, leading to an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption. When this condition occurs, it is important to rest and not engage in heavy physical labor. It is also advisable for the patient to visit a hospital to have an electrocardiogram (ECG) checked to rule out coronary heart disease and arrhythmias that may be causing the sinus tachycardia, as sometimes this condition needs to be managed. If the heart rate is too fast, it may sometimes worsen symptoms of heart palpitations.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Can you run with tachycardia?

If the patient experiences this type of tachycardia, it is not recommended for the patient to run, as running can exacerbate the rapid heart rate, leading to tachycardia. If this occurs, it can be actively managed to control the ventricular rate. It is best to find the cause of tachycardia, especially if it is a pathological disease, particularly supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia, which sometimes requires active management to improve myocardial oxygen consumption. In such cases, running is not advisable. Running increases cardiac output, leading to myocardial ischemia, thereby exacerbating symptoms and further bringing significant discomfort to the patient. Rest is recommended.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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How to quickly recover from tachycardia?

If a patient experiences tachycardia, it needs to be actively addressed, and the patient is advised to go to the hospital to get an electrocardiogram. If the heart rate is too fast, it can lead to an increased myocardial oxygen consumption, resulting in states of ischemia and hypoxia. It is currently necessary to visit the hospital promptly for treatment to improve this condition of myocardial tachycardia or myocardial ischemia. Some medications that improve myocardial function can be used to control the ventricular rate. For sinus tachycardia, no special treatment is required; regular monitoring is sufficient. In terms of treatment, symptomatic treatment is primarily emphasized, along with rest, particularly establishing a good routine. Adjusting the frequency of deep inhalation or exhalation can also bring improvement.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Can tachycardia resolve on its own?

Tachycardia can resolve on its own, but this is typically under physiological conditions. Especially in situations of stress or emotional excitement, tachycardia can resolve on its own. However, if it is due to a pathological disease, this is not the case. Particularly, it is important to re-examine the electrocardiogram, monitor changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse. If the heart rate is too fast and blood pressure is elevated, sometimes active treatment and symptom control are necessary. Additionally, if it cannot resolve on its own, it is first necessary to rule out coronary heart disease, psychological disorders, and other pathological changes that might cause this condition.

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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.