How Can I Reduce Tachycardia Immediately?

Tachycardia causes a high heart rate. Reduce a racing heart rate with tips such as coughing, gagging, taking, a cold shower, the Valsalva maneuver, meditation, yoga, deep breathing, relaxation techniques, and staying hydrated.

In many cases, no treatment is needed for tachycardia and the heart will return to a normal heart rate on its own. 

As long as you have not been diagnosed with a heart problem or other underlying condition that causes tachycardia and requires medical treatment, home remedies may help reduce a racing heart rate, such as:

• Stimulate the vagus nerve, a nerve that connects the brain to the heart to help synchronize the heart and the brain
  • Cough
  • Gag
  • Take a cold shower
  • Valsalva maneuver
    • Bear down as you would during a bowel movement
    • Inhale and hold your breath, like when you’re stifling a sneeze
    • Breathe in for 5-8 seconds, hold that breath for 3-5 seconds, then exhale slowly
    • Repeat several times
    • This will increase aortic pressure which will help reduce heart rate
• Practice stress reduction
  • Mediation
  • Yoga 
  • Deep breathing 
  • Relaxation techniques
• Consume foods and drinks with electrolytes and stay hydrated
  • Magnesium: found in foods such as dark leafy greens and dairy products
  • Potassium: found in foods such as potatoes, bananas, and avocados
  • Calcium: found in foods such as dark leafy greens and dairy products

To help prevent tachycardia: 

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid stimulants that can lead to palpitations
  • Caffeine
  • Tobacco (don’t smoke)
  • Illegal drugs 
  • Some medications (don’t stop taking any prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor)  
• Limit or avoid alcohol
• Eat regularly to avoid low blood sugar 
• Get enough sleep