What techniques can stop heart palpitations?

From the Guidelines

To stop heart palpitations, try several immediate techniques including taking slow, deep breaths, drinking a glass of cold water, splashing cold water on your face, or performing the Valsalva maneuver (bearing down as if having a bowel movement while holding your breath). Gentle coughing or lying down and raising your legs can also help. For recurring palpitations, avoid triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and certain medications. Regular exercise, stress management techniques like meditation, and maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance are effective preventive measures. If palpitations persist, medications like beta-blockers (such as metoprolol 25-100mg daily) or calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil 120-360mg daily) may be prescribed by a doctor, as recommended by the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation 1. These medications work by slowing heart rate and reducing the force of heart contractions. Seek immediate medical attention if palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or severe dizziness, as these could indicate a serious condition requiring urgent care.

Some key points to consider:

• The 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation recommends control of the ventricular rate using a beta blocker or nondihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist for patients with paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent AF 1.
• The ESC guidelines for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death suggest that beta-blockers can help prevent recurrent arrhythmias 1.
• Avoiding triggers and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent palpitations, as supported by various studies 1.

It is essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on individual needs and medical history.

From the Research

Techniques to Stop Heart Palpitations

There are several techniques that can help stop heart palpitations, including:

• Deep breathing exercises to help slow down the heart rate 2
• Avoiding stimulants such as coffee, nicotine, and adrenergic or anticholinergic drugs that can increase heart rate 2
• Managing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga 3
• Avoiding heavy meals and eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce symptoms 3

Medical Treatments

In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary to stop heart palpitations, including:

• Beta-blockers such as metoprolol or bisoprolol to slow down the heart rate and reduce symptoms 4, 5
• Anti-arrhythmic medications to regulate the heart rhythm 6
• Catheter ablation to treat underlying heart conditions such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome 6

Diagnostic Approaches

To determine the best course of treatment, a diagnostic approach may be necessary, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor the heart rhythm 2, 3
• Ambulatory ECG monitoring to track the heart rhythm over a longer period of time 3
• Holter monitoring to track the heart rhythm for 24-48 hours 3
• Trans-telephonic event monitors to track the heart rhythm and detect any irregularities 3