Tachycardia Treatment

How is Tachycardia Diagnosed?

Doctors usually begin by asking about your symptoms, medical history and health habits, followed by a physical examination to diagnose tachycardia. A standard electrocardiogram (ECG) is often the first test used to check the heart’s rhythm and identify the type of tachycardia. If the fast heartbeat happens only from time to time, a Holter monitor or event monitor may be used to record the heart rhythm over a longer period. An echocardiogram can check the heart’s structure and how well it is working.

To determine the underlying cause of tachycardia, doctors may also recommend non-invasive structural tests such as a chest X-ray, cardiac MRI, CT scan, coronary angiogram or electrophysiological study to look for an underlying cause. A stress test may be used to see how exercise affects the heart, while a tilt table test may be recommended when a fast heartbeat is associated with fainting.

Types of Tachycardia and Their Treatment

Here are some types of tachycardia along with the appropriate treatment approach:

Medications for Tachycardia Treatment

Tachycardia treatment may involve several categories of medicines prescribed by a doctor, depending on the patient's condition and severity. Some of the common medicines used for tachycardia treatment are as follows:

• Adenosine: Often used as the first-line medicine to stop an acute episode of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia. It works quickly by temporarily slowing electrical conduction through the AV node and can help restore a normal heart rhythm.

• Calcium Channel Blockers: Medicines such as diltiazem and verapamil block the AV nodal pathway and can be used to stop an acute episode. They may also be taken orally to help prevent future episodes.

• Beta-Blockers: Medicines such as esmolol, atenolol and metoprolol slow the heart rate by blocking beta-1 receptors. They can be used to control abnormal heart rhythms, with heart rate and blood pressure monitored during intravenous treatment.

• Amiodarone: Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medicine that affects the electrical activity of the heart. It may be used when other medicines are not suitable or effective.

• Digoxin: This medicine increases the heart’s contraction strength and also increases vagal activity. It may be given orally to help prevent recurrence, although intravenous use for acute attacks has largely been replaced by other medicines.

• Other Antiarrhythmic Medicines: Medicines such as dofetilide, sotalol, propafenone and flecainide may also be used in selected cases to control abnormal heart rhythms.

Note: The type of medications recommended by the doctors entirely depends on the type of tachycardia and the patient's overall health.

Other Treatments for Tachycardia

Various other treatments for tachycardia are as follows:

• Catheter Ablation: A doctor guides thin tubes called catheters through a blood vessel, usually from the groin, to the heart. The doctor then uses heat or cold energy to create small scars that block the abnormal electrical signals causing tachycardia.

• Pacemaker: A small device placed under the skin near the collarbone helps control the heart rhythm. It sends electrical signals when it detects an abnormal rhythm that causes the heart to beat too slowly.

• Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): This device continuously monitors the heart rhythm and can deliver electrical shocks when it detects a dangerous abnormal rhythm. It may be recommended for people at high risk of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

• Maze Procedure: During this procedure, the surgeon creates a pattern of small scars in the heart's upper chambers. These scars help block abnormal electrical signals that can cause certain types of tachycardia.

• Surgery: In some cases, open-heart surgery may be needed to remove or destroy an extra electrical pathway causing tachycardia. It is generally considered when other treatments have not worked or when another heart condition also requires surgery.

• Vagal Manoeuvres: Certain vagal manoeuvres can stimulate the vagus nerve and slow electrical conduction through the heart. They may help terminate some episodes of SVT, but should be performed only when a healthcare professional has explained the appropriate technique.

• Electrical Cardioversion: Electrical cardioversion uses a controlled electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. It may be used when certain tachyarrhythmias do not respond to medicines or when the rapid rhythm is causing significant instability.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Tachycardia

Here are some of the Ayurvedic approaches used for tachycardia treatment:

• Arjuna: Traditionally used for cardiac support and may help with heart rhythm and cardiac function. It is commonly used in Ayurvedic approaches for heart-related concerns.

• Ashwagandha: May help manage stress and anxiety, which can sometimes trigger a rapid heartbeat.

• Shankhpushpi: May help calm the nervous system and support people experiencing anxiety-related palpitations. It is traditionally used for mental restlessness and stress.

• Jatamansi: It is used for its calming properties and may be considered when rapid or irregular heartbeats are associated with anxiety or sleep problems. It may also help promote relaxation.

• Pranayama: Breathing practices such as Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari may help promote relaxation and calm the nervous system. They can be included as part of a supervised relaxation routine.

• Abhyanga: A warm oil massage may promote relaxation and help ease stress-related symptoms. It is commonly used as a supportive therapy in some Ayurvedic approaches.
  
  

Note: Ayurvedic and complementary treatments should be used only after consulting a doctor.

Home Care for Managing Tachycardia

Managing tachycardia at home involves taking a few simple steps such as:

• Sit or lie down in a comfortable position during an episode.

• Take your medicine at the times your doctor recommended while you are at home.

• Write down your heart rate whenever you have an episode.

• Make a note of when your heartbeat speeds up and how long it stays fast.

• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises.

How Long Does Tachycardia Treatment Take?

Tachycardia treatment timelines can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach chosen, as follows:

Tachycardia Treatment Side Effects

Some possible side effects in tachycardia cases include:

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Low blood pressure

• Slow heart rate

• Nausea

• Shortness of breath with certain medicines

• Changes in thyroid or liver function with some antiarrhythmics

• Skin sensitivity or other effects with certain medicines

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Tachycardia

Some lifestyle changes required for managing tachycardia are as follows:

• Exercise according to medical advice.

• Maintain a healthy body weight.

• Get consistent sleep.

• Limit excessive caffeine if it triggers symptoms.

• Avoid smoking.

• Avoid recreational stimulants.

• Manage stress.

• Keep blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol under control.

• Stay hydrated when appropriate.

Factors That Can Trigger Tachycardia

Several factors can trigger a rapid heartbeat, and identifying these triggers can help in managing tachycardia. Some common triggers are:

• Episodes of stress or anxiety.

• Intense physical activity.

• Having a high fever or an infection.

• Dehydration or losing too much fluid.

• Drinking too much caffeine.

• Drinking a lot of alcohol.

• Smoking regularly or using nicotine.

• Having iron-deficiency anaemia.

• Having an overactive thyroid.

• Taking certain prescribed medications.

Tachycardia Treatment Cost

The cost of tachycardia treatment in India can vary depending on the type of treatment required and the severity of the condition. Consultation and diagnostic tests such as ECG, Holter monitoring and echocardiography may cost around ₹2,000 to ₹10,000, while medicines may cost ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month. If a procedure is needed, electrical cardioversion may cost ₹20,000 to ₹60,000, while catheter ablation can range from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh.

Moreover, a pacemaker typically costs between ₹1 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is costlier, usually between ₹3 lakh and ₹6 lakh. Hospital stays may add ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per day. Cardiac rehabilitation, if required, can cost ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 in total.

Does Health Insurance Cover Tachycardia Treatment in India?

In India, many health insurance plans may cover tachycardia treatment and other heart rhythm conditions, depending on the policy terms and coverage limits. Coverage may include hospitalisation, pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, diagnostic tests, medicines, and procedures such as cardioversion, catheter ablation, ICD or pacemaker implantation. Ambulance charges may also be covered up to the applicable limit.

Before buying a policy, check whether tachycardia and other cardiac arrhythmias are covered, along with the waiting period for pre-existing heart conditions, which can reach up to 3 years, and any applicable sub-limits. A health insurance cover of ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh may be considered for tachycardia treatment to help manage hospitalisation and procedure-related expenses.