Anyone have expierence with treatment options that do not include prescription drugs? I have been diagnosed for about 8 months. I started on a Beta Blocker but had too many side effects, and am now on a calcium channel blocker. I have been feeling good for the last few months and now wonder if I can get away without taking any medications. Suggestions?

Hi Karenjk12. I wish I could help you, but I am wondering the same thing. Do you know what the cause is of your tachycardia? Is it constant? I take a beta blocker for mine (bisoprolol) and I hate it because some days it drops my heart rate very low (like right now it is around 50). I would love to stop taking it, but I can't stand being tachy. I get it the worst when I first get up in the morning, but then any little movement will set it off. The only time I'm not tachy (when not on the bb) is when I'm laying down. Sorry I couldn't answer your question, but I just wanted to let you know you're not alone with this.

I do not know the cause, I really don't think there is one. I currently do not have any syptoms besides the ocassional high heart rate or slight chest pain. I am going back to the cardiologist in a week or so and am hoping that she will let me stop the medication so at least I can find out if it is something I can live without or not. I am hoping that I can because I am only 23 and still have yet to have children, etc. When all this started I went through a period of about 3 weeks where the tachy was constant and no doctors could figure out what was wrong with me. I pray that once I stop the medicine that this doesn't happen again, but I guess I will find out.

Oh, and one more thing - try switching your medication or switch to a channel blocker. The side effects are much less. When I was on the beta blocker I almost felt worse than without anything.

I want to get off the meds because I want to have kids too. I am 31, so I would like to get started on that soon. I'm having another holter Monday so we'll see what that shows. I may ask about a switch in meds, though. Keep me posted on your situation.

Ok so I also am 28 years old and have quite bad tachycardia. Here is a list of things that i have either tried or have been told about. A lot of if things works depends on what your get tachycardic from but here ya go:
1) increase your salt intake, just start adding more salt to your diet. yes it is safe as long as you arent on it for years and years

2)if you dont want to physically eat salt you can take salt tablets that you can get at an athletic store. i only take 2 tablets a day but you can take more

3) wear ted hose or elastic stockings or nylons, this helps the blood get to your heart as opposed to pooling in your legs.

4) magnesium, its a supplement, yes it would be a pill to take though

5) Drink lots and lots of water, like 2-3 liters a day or drink energy drinks like gatorade. I have heard that you can try to drink a glass of water right before you get out of bed and can help with tachycardia. If you find that you have to tinkle a lot then the increase salt helps to keep this fluid in as oppose to losing in urine.

6)Eliminate any and all caffeine, chocolate (yeah well as much as you can), tea, alcohol, and coffee from your life.

7) Avoid over the counter medications, many of them have stimulants in it

8) exercise daily if possible, and it doesnt have to be hard exercise, just a leisurely stroll for 20-30 minutes.

9) finally, find some way of stress reduction and relaxation...i know we could all do a little better at this

Those are some things that i have learned, that was a lot of typing so hopefully it helps someone in some way. :)

Karen,

Magnesium, magnesium and magnesium.
If you don't want the pill (Mg0) you can make a solution of epsom salts and drink a little each day...tastes like DEATH though!:rolleyes:

Ok guys, I went to the cardiologist yesterday and have offically been released from her care! She said that since I have been feeling "normal" and been able to excerise on a regular basis that I am okay to stop taking the meds. Now I just have to wait and see if I have any problems. But from reading things on this website it seems as though I have a mild case compared to some... Anyway, just wanted to give you all an update.

great news. I have just started this process...My pulse is a constant 105...is that considered a mild case? I am more concerned as to the reason why this has happened at 40 years old. What is a mild case?

Ok guys, I went to the cardiologist yesterday and have offically been released from her care! She said that since I have been feeling "normal" and been able to excerise on a regular basis that I am okay to stop taking the meds. Now I just have to wait and see if I have any problems. But from reading things on this website it seems as though I have a mild case compared to some... Anyway, just wanted to give you all an update.

Great news! Do you have to wean off of those meds, or can you just stop taking them? I stopped taking a beta blocker cold turkey once and I thought I was going to die. But when I weaned off, it wasn't bad at all. I am so happy for you. I hope you don't have any more problems.

The doc told me to just stop taking meds. I was on the lowest dose of my prescription so I couldn't go any lower to wean off. She did tell me though that if I had any problems to try taking one every other day or try breaking them in half and do a half a day.

And, yeah I would say that 105 seems to be a "mild" case if there is such a thing. My average rate now is about 85 but when this started I was spiking 130 in my sleep! What I did was started doing cardio every day (or just about). I started with five minutes a day until I worked myself up to 40 minutes. I drink lots and lots of water and get my eight hours of sleep a night as often as I can. No caffeine. And most importantly I don't let myself get "anxious" or "stressed" about things as easily. Not only am I doing well enough to stop the meds but I am happier all the way around cause I changed my lifestyle.

Good luck to you guys - I will keep reading and giving advice.