Supraventricular Tachycardia
Living With Tachycardia
Home care includes monitoring your supraventricular tachycardia and trying to slow your heart when a fast heart rate occurs. To monitor your condition, you may find it helpful to keep a Reference diary of your heart rate and your symptoms.
Reference Check your pulse Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window when you have symptoms, and record the
information in your diary. Be aware that if your heart is beating rapidly, it
may be hard to feel your pulse and get an accurate count of your actual
heart rate.
By keeping a diary of your heart rate and symptoms, you may be able to identify stressors—such as drinking alcohol or smoking—that trigger episodes.
Also, it's usually important to avoid overuse of caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol and the use of illegal drugs, such as stimulants like cocaine, ecstasy, or methamphetamine. For people who are especially sensitive, even decaffeinated teas or coffee can cause supraventricular tachycardia episodes.
Decongestants that contain stimulants should also be avoided, including oxymetazoline (such as Afrin and other brands) and pseudoephedrine (such as Sudafed and other brands). Doctors also warn against using diet pills or "pep" pills (because many contain caffeine), ephedrine, ephedra, the herb ma huang, or other stimulants.
Your doctor may suggest that you try Reference vagal maneuvers—such as gagging, holding your breath and bearing down, or immersing your face in cold water—to slow your heart rate. Your doctor will help you learn these procedures so you can try them at home when your fast heart rate occurs.
More information
- Reference What foods or supplements affect my heart rhythm?
- Reference Can I have sex?
- Reference How can I exercise safely?
- Reference How do I travel safely?
- Reference Is it safe for me to drive?
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
