Medications

There are many medications available to treat different types of tachycardia. Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digitalis may be prescribed to help control the heart rate. Digoxin is effective at controlling the heart rate at rest, but not as effective during activity. Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers generally control the heart more consistently both at rest and during activity. These medications slow the heart rate, either by calming the sinus node, the body's natural pacemaker, or by slowing down the electrical activity in the heart. The type of medication your doctor recommends will depend on the type of arrhythmia you have. For example, the majority of people treated for inherited LQTS can be best helped by beta blockers. People with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter can also benefit from anticoagulant therapy, or blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin. Anticoagulants minimize the risk of blood clots that may cause a stroke.

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Drugs can be inconvenient. It is important to take medications regularly and on time; this may be difficult for some people. In addition, side effects may occur, depending on the medication and the individual. With most arrhythmia medications, there is a 0.5 percent to 2 percent chance that the drug itself will make the rhythm worse or cause a life-threatening rhythm problem called a proarrhythmia.

The medication may also simply be ineffective.

It is important to discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of any drug recommended.