How to Slow Your Heart Rate
Tachycardia or palpitation is a condition where your heart rate is higher than the normal value of 60-100 beats per minute (bpm) . This is usually a symptom of an underlying illness. If you’re experiencing palpitations, here are some things you can do to slow your heart rate.
Causes:
Frequent tachycardia shouldn’t be taken for granted. Here are some conditions that can cause an increased heart rate.
Strenuous activities, like exercise
Stress and anxiety
Hyperventilation
High Blood Pressure
Hyperthyroidism
Heart Disease
Asthma
Anemia
Ingestion of stimulants, like coffee, nicotine and cocaine.
Medications, like beta-blockers and thyroid pills
Symptoms:
Apart from having a rapid heart rhythm, you may also experience the following symptoms when you have tachycardia.
Difficulty or shortness of breathing
Sweating
Nausea
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Management:
A simple tachycardia may be managed at home. Here are some tips you can follow to slow your heart rate.
Rest. If you experience an increase in heart rate after performing a strenuous activity, lie down or sit for a while. Give time for your body to adjust to the abrupt shift of activity.
Avoid Stimulants. Coffee and cigarettes increase your heart rate. Avoid these things if you’re frequently experiencing tachycardia.
Relax. When you’re stressed and anxious about different things, your body goes in a flight or fight mode. It’s always on guard for what might happen next.
Deep breathing exercises. Fight off stress while working by stopping for a while and breathing deeply. This will relax and calm you down. Doing this several times a day will help you keep your heart rate within the acceptable range.
Relaxation techniques, like yoga and meditation will greatly help you manage stress and anxiety. These activities will also help you clear your troubled mind.
Imagery is another relaxation technique where you think of a happy place, event or somebody who makes you happy. Focus on this picture until you feel yourself calming down.
Treatments
The treatments for tachycardia depend on its severity and the underlying illness. The following are some of the treatments done on serious cases.
Catheter Radio Frequency Ablation. This method removes damaged heart tissues. When these are removed, the heart would have a normal beating pattern.
A Pacemaker regulates the heart’s rhythm and keep it within the normal range.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator treats Ventricular Tachycardia and works like a pacemaker.
When you’re experiencing tachycardia frequently and in great intensity, contact your doctor as soon as you can. An early detection of any illness is very important to prevent it from getting worse and avoid complications.