Treatment options for tachycardia vary by causes, risks, and the person’s overall situation.
When treating tachycardia, the goal is to slow your fast heartbeat and stop it from coming back. Depending on the causes and risks of the fast heartbeat, your doctor may recommend treatment with medication or a procedure such as catheter ablation or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). In the case of a medical emergency situation like sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), an automated external defibrillator (AED) may be used to correct the heartbeat.
What are the treatment options for tachycardia?
Medication
Tachycardia can sometimes be controlled with medications like beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anti-antiarrhythmic medications.
Catheter ablation
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to control heart rhythm. This procedure is performed by an electrophysiologist (EP) who specializes in the treatment of heart arrhythmias.
ICD
An ICD is a device that is implanted under the skin. During SCA, an ICD delivers life-saving treatment on its own, often in fewer than 10 seconds.
AED
An AED is a portable device used in medical emergencies to deliver a shock to restore the heart to its natural rhythm.
Talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Understanding treatment options can help you work with your doctor to come up with the right plan.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
