Can atropine be used for tachycardia?

Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Tachycardia is a common and frequently occurring condition clinically, which can be observed in healthy populations as well as in those suffering from certain cardiac diseases causing tachycardia. The choice of medication should be made under the guidance of a doctor, and it is crucial not to misuse drugs arbitrarily. Tachycardia should not be treated with atropine, as its primary side effects can induce tachycardia. Using atropine can cause an already rapid heart rate to increase further, resulting in significant damage to the body. Tachycardia needs medications that inhibit sympathetic nerve excitement, commonly using receptor blockers, which can effectively suppress excessively rapid heart rhythms.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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How many beats per minute is considered tachycardia?

Tachycardia refers to the phenomenon where the heartbeat exceeds 100 beats per minute. From a medical perspective, this can be classified into various types of tachycardia including sinus tachycardia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, among others. If one experiences such symptoms, it is crucial to visit a hospital for proper checks. An electrocardiogram (ECG) should be done to determine the specific type of tachycardia. Additionally, a complete blood count should be performed to check for anemia that might be causing tachycardia. Thyroid function tests including TSH, T3, and T4 should be conducted to rule out hyperthyroidism as a possible cause. Also, an echocardiogram should be done to check for any structural heart diseases that might lead to tachycardia.

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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 Zhang Yue Mei
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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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What should I do about tachycardia?

When tachycardia occurs, it is important to actively identify the cause of the tachycardia and actively treat the underlying disease causing the tachycardia. If it is caused by heart failure, it is essential to actively provide anti-heart failure treatment to control the heart failure. Once the heart failure is stabilized, long-term administration of beta-blockers should be given to effectively control the heart rate. In cases of rapid arrhythmias, anti-arrhythmic drugs should be administered timely. If arrhythmias recur frequently and there are indications, radiofrequency ablation surgery can be performed. Patients with hyperthyroidism should be treated to reduce the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones, bringing them back to normal levels. If the tachycardia arises from mental stress, emotional fluctuations, or exercise, no special treatment is necessary. It only requires stabilization of the tense emotions, relaxation, and proper rest; the heart rate will quickly return to normal.

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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.