From the Guidelines
During pregnancy, a high heart rate is a normal physiological change, but if it exceeds 100 beats per minute consistently or is accompanied by symptoms, medical attention is necessary. To manage high heart rate during pregnancy, it is essential to stay well-hydrated, avoid caffeine, get adequate rest, and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing 1. If symptoms persist, medications like beta-blockers (such as metoprolol) might be prescribed, but only after careful consideration of risks and benefits to both mother and baby, as they can be effective for ongoing management in pregnant patients with highly symptomatic SVT 1. Some key points to consider include:
- The body increases blood volume by about 40-50% during pregnancy, requiring the heart to work harder, which can lead to an increased heart rate 1.
- Heart rate starts to rise at 20 weeks and increases until 32 weeks, remaining high 2–5 days after delivery 1.
- In rare cases where tachycardia is severe or causing significant symptoms, catheter ablation may be considered, but it should be avoided in the first trimester when the teratogenic risk is greatest, and radiation-reduction technologies should be used 1.
- Oral amiodarone may be considered for ongoing management in pregnant patients when treatment of highly symptomatic, recurrent SVT is required and other therapies are ineffective or contraindicated, but it requires careful monitoring for fetal hypothyroidism and neurodevelopmental abnormalities 1.
From the Research
High Heart Rate During Pregnancy
- There are no research papers provided that directly address high heart rate during pregnancy.
- However, the studies provided discuss the use of beta-blockers, such as metoprolol, in treating various cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart failure 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Beta-blockers may be used to slow the heart rate in certain conditions, but their use during pregnancy would require careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare provider.
- Some studies suggest that metoprolol may be beneficial in treating supraventricular tachycardia 4 and atrial fibrillation 5, but its use in pregnancy would depend on various factors, including the individual's medical history and the specific condition being treated.
- Further research would be needed to determine the safety and efficacy of beta-blockers, such as metoprolol, in treating high heart rate during pregnancy.