Palpitations means tachycardia.

Written by Liu Yong
Cardiology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Tachycardia, as the name suggests, means that the heart beats fast. How many beats per minute constitute a fast heartbeat or tachycardia? Clinically, it is generally considered that a heartbeat exceeding 100 beats/min can be termed as tachycardia. There are various types of tachycardia, such as sinus tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia. There are also atrial tachycardia and junctional tachycardia. The origin of tachycardia varies, and its clinical significance is completely different. Therefore, it is essential to identify the nature of the tachycardia in order to treat it effectively. How to confirm the diagnosis? In this case, it is best to obtain an electrocardiogram during an episode. If the electrocardiogram at the moment of occurrence is not available, it is recommended to wear a 24-hour Holter monitor to determine the cause further. Only after identifying the cause can targeted treatment be administered.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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What should be paid attention to in daily life if someone has tachycardia?

Patients with tachycardia need to pay attention to the following two aspects in their daily lives: First, maintain good living habits. Keep good habits, stable emotions, and avoid intense emotional fluctuations. Also, do not drink strong tea or coffee, as both contain caffeine, which can trigger or exacerbate tachycardia events. Additionally, avoid overeating or drinking excessively, and engage in appropriate exercise when the condition is stable. Second, adhere to standardized medication treatments. If medications are needed to control the heart rate, they should be taken under the guidance of a doctor, following a proper treatment regimen. Do not arbitrarily follow the advice of other patients when choosing medications for treatment.

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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 Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Is tachycardia dangerous?

If the patient frequently experiences this type of tachycardia with a heart rate exceeding one hundred beats per minute, it is recommended that the patient visit a hospital to undergo an electrocardiogram examination. If tachycardia is confirmed, it is advised to identify the underlying cause. For tachycardia occurring under conditions of anxiety or stress, it is advised that the patient actively manage and control their heart rate to alleviate symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness. If the patient presents with other complications, especially conditions like coronary heart disease or diabetes with hypertension, it is crucial to actively manage the tachycardia. Sometimes, medication may be necessary to treat this condition.

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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 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.