About this topic
Your normal heartbeat depends on your age and physical condition. Sinus tachycardia is a heart rate that is faster than normal for you. In adults, this means your heart is beating more than 100 times in a minute while you are resting. Certain drugs, heart damage, or pain may cause a fast heart rate. It may also be caused by infection, stress, or too much caffeine. Your doctor will look for a cause of this fast heartbeat. Care is based on your specific cause. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Be sure your doctor knows about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy.
- Ask your doctor if you need to learn how to check your heart rate.
- Your doctor may teach you ways to slow your heartbeat, these include:
- Gently rubbing pressure on your neck. This is carotid sinus massage.
- Holding your breath and straining, as if you are trying to have bowel movement. This is the valsalva maneuver.
- Pressing your eyeballs gently while your eyes are closed.
- Placing your face in cold water. This causes the dive reflex.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor will ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You doctor may have you go see a specialist. You may need to see a heart doctor called a cardiologist. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to lower your heart rate. Your treatment will depend on what is causing your fast heart rate. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activities may be limited if you have shortness of breath and weakness. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Exercise may help keep your heart as healthy as possible. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. This means: ‚
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen is best.
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low-fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
- If you need help, ask to see a dietitian.
What problems could happen?
- Blood clots
- Heart failure
- Often fainting
- Sudden death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Stay active. Do 30 minutes of exercise each day.
- Stop smoking.
- Learn how to manage your stress.
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid caffeine.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if: ‚
- You are feeling faint or lightheaded
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you ways to slow my heart rate.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/Tachycardia_UCM_302018_Article.jsp# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚