Tachycardia Treatment and Prevention

Since tachycardia is not a separate disease but rather a symptom, its treatment is aimed at the removal of its main causes.

The main principles of tachycardia treatment are:

• Treatment of the underlying disease which is the cause of tachycardia;
• Correction and elimination of the conditions which can provoke tachycardia;
• Antiarrhythmic therapy involves specific antiarrhythmic drugs that can influence heart rate. This therapy is strictly individual and can be administered once proper tests (ECG, ultrasound, and blood tests) are made. It depends on the character and type of tachycardia;
• Therapy aimed at relaxation – it involves drugs and psychological counseling to correct the emotional condition causing tachycardia;
• Administration of drugs that normalize cardiac performance and strengthen heart (potassium and magnesium drugs);
• Surgical interventions – they are divided into:
  • Open-heart maze procedure - scar tissue that does not conduct electricity is formed to remove additional path for the electric impulses;
  • Catheter radiofrequency ablation – during this procedure the part of tissue that is responsible for the rhythm disturbance is removed by means of radiofrequency impulse;
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillator – it is an implantation of the device that will control heartbeat and help restore normal heart rate.

The prevention of tachycardia involves regular and careful monitoring of the health state, and in cases of any cardiovascular disorders, regular supervision and cardiologist advice. It helps prevent tachycardia attacks if a patient:

• Normalizes his work and rest regime;
• Giving up smoking, excessive consumption of tea, coffee and alcohol;
• Avoids stressful situations and anxiety;
• Sticks to a healthy diet avoiding fatty and spicy food;
• Has robust physical activity (exercises, walking, swimming).

In other words, in order to prevent this condition, patients should live a healthy lifestyle.