Prevention

You can reduce your risk of having episodes of supraventricular tachycardia by avoiding certain stimulants or stressors, such as caffeine, nicotine, some medicines (for example, decongestants), illegal drugs (stimulants, like methamphetamines and cocaine), and excess alcohol.

If fast heart rates continue, long-term medicines such as beta-blockers may be used to help prevent a recurrence of the fast heart rate.

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 diary of your heart rate and your symptoms.

Check your pulse 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 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.