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 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.

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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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Why does tachycardia always cause hiccups?

If the patient experiences tachycardia accompanied by hiccuping, it may indicate an early-stage digestive system disorder. It is recommended for the patient to consume a light diet, eat smaller, more frequent meals, especially avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and to regularly undergo gastroscopy. Care should be taken with consuming spicy and irritating foods, and it is also advisable to regularly undergo electrocardiogram (ECG) check-ups at the hospital. Sometimes, the ECG may show signs of angina or myocardial ischemia, which can lead to excessive secretion of stomach acid and subsequently cause hiccuping. Additionally, a gastroscopy should be done to further clarify the diagnosis.

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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 Chen Tian Hua
Cardiology
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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.