Managing Racing Heart: Tips for Self-Care and Prevention

• Sinus tachycardia: This is a normal response to physical activity, stress, or excitement. The heart rate increases to meet the body’s increased demand for oxygen and nutrients.
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): This is an abnormal heart rhythm that takes place in your upper chambers of the heart. It can cause rapid, regular heartbeats and may last from a few seconds to also several hours.
• Atrial fibrillation: This is an irregular and rapid heartbeat that can lead to poor blood flow and an increased risk of fatal stroke or heart failure.
• Ventricular tachycardia: This is a fast heart rhythm that originates in your lower chambers of the heart and can be life-threatening.
• Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs): These are extra, abnormal heartbeats that can cause a racing sensation in the chest.

• Feeling a rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Fluttering or skipped heartbeats
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or near-fainting
• Anxiety or a sense of impending doom
• Sweating or feeling clammy
• Fatigue or weakness
• Nausea or vomiting

• Physical activity or exercise: During physical activity, the heart rate increases to meet the body’s increased demand for oxygen and nutrients.
• Stress or anxiety: Emotional stress or anxiety can cause the release of adrenaline, which can increase the heart rate.
• Caffeine or nicotine: Both caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that can increase the heart rate.
• Medications: Some medications, such as asthma medications, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and some antidepressants, can cause tachycardia as a side effect.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as heart disease, anemia, hyperthyroidism, and infections can cause tachycardia.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can cause the heart rate to increase as the body also tries to compensate for a lack of fluid.
• Electrical problems in the heart: Abnormalities in the electrical system of the heart can cause tachycardia, such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or atrial fibrillation.

The treatment of racing heart or tachycardia will depend on the underlying root cause and severity of the condition. Some treatment options include:

• Lifestyle modifications: Making lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular exercise can help manage tachycardia.
• Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of tachycardia, medications may be prescribed to help regulate the heart rate and rhythm.
• Medical procedures: In some special cases, medical procedures such as cardioversion, catheter ablation, or pacemaker implantation may be necessary to manage tachycardia.
• Managing underlying medical conditions: Treating underlying medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease can help manage tachycardia.
• Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers such as certain medications, alcohol, or stress can help manage tachycardia.

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, involves insertion of thin needles into the specific points on the body to stimulate the increased flow of energy. Some studies have also suggested that acupuncture may help reduce the frequency and severity of tachycardia episodes.
• Yoga and meditation: Mind-body practices can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger tachycardia episodes. These practices may also help improve heart function and reduce heart rate variability.
• Herbal remedies: Certain herbs such as hawthorn, motherwort, and valerian root have been traditionally used to help regulate the heart rate and reduce anxiety.
• Biofeedback: Biofeedback involves learning to control certain bodily functions such as heart rate through visualization and relaxation techniques. Some studies have suggested that biofeedback may help reduce the frequency and severity of tachycardia episodes.

• Deep breathing exercises: Practicing some deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and also anxiety, which can trigger tachycardia episodes. Focusing on slow, deep breaths can also help regulate the heart rate.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to tachycardia, so it is very important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid triggers: Certain triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and stress can trigger tachycardia episodes, so it is important to avoid these triggers as much as possible.
• Regular exercise: Regular exercise can help improve heart health and reduce the frequency of tachycardia episodes.
• Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is very important for overall health and can also help reduce stress, which can trigger tachycardia episodes.
• Reduce stress: Stress and anxiety can trigger tachycardia, so it is important to find ways to reduce stress, such as practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga.
• Monitor your symptoms: Keeping track of your symptoms can help you identify triggers and patterns, and can also help your healthcare provider develop an appropriate treatment plan.

• Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that can cause tachycardia episodes, such as caffeine, alcohol, certain medications, and stress. Manage underlying medical conditions: Treating underlying medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease can help prevent tachycardia episodes.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to tachycardia, so it is very important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Manage stress: Stress and anxiety can trigger tachycardia episodes, so it is important to find ways to manage stress.
• Take medications as prescribed: If medications are prescribed to manage tachycardia, it is important to take them as prescribed and follow up with a healthcare provider regularly.

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting or near-fainting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat that lasts for more than a few minutes

• Consultation with healthcare providers: Ongo Care Team provides access to healthcare providers who can evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history, and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan for your tachycardia.
• Remote monitoring: Ongo Care Team can monitor your symptoms remotely and track changes in your heart rate over time. This can help your healthcare provider identify patterns and triggers for your tachycardia episodes and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
• Medication management: Ongo Care Team can help manage your medication regimen and ensure that you are taking the appropriate medications for your condition.
• Self-care guidance: Ongo Care Team can provide guidance on self-care strategies such as deep breathing exercises, stress management, and lifestyle changes that can help manage your tachycardia.

Frequently Asked Questions