Treatments for Palpitations
Treatments for Palpitations
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Palpitations
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
- Iron - possibly used if condition is caused by iron deficiency
- Magnesium - possibly used for related magnesium deficiency
Palpitations: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Palpitations may include:
Hidden causes of Palpitations may be incorrectly diagnosed:
Palpitations: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Palpitations:
Palpitations: Research Doctors & Specialists
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Drugs and Medications used to treat Palpitations:
Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Palpitations include:
- Quinidine
- Apo-Quinidine
- Biquin Durules
- Cardioquin
- Cin-Quin
- Duraquin
- Natisedine
- Novo-Quinidin
- Quinaglute
- Dura-Tabs
- Quinate
- Quinatime
- Quinidex Extentabs
- Quinobarb
- Quinora
- Quin-Release
- SK-Quinidine Sulfate
Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Palpitations:
Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Palpitations include:
Latest treatments for Palpitations:
The following are some of the latest treatments for Palpitations:
Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Palpitations
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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Palpitations
Treatments of Palpitations: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the treatments of Palpitations.
Tachycardia:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
- Ventricular tachycardia must be treated emergently
–Unstable VT with hypotension or cardiac ischemia
requires immediate cardioversion
–IV amiodarone or lidocaine if cardioversion fails
–Stable VT should be treated initially with antiarrhythmic
medications (e.g., IV amiodarone, lidocaine, procainamide), correction of electrolyte abnormalities, and/or IV magnesium; cardiovert if there is no response
- Supraventricular tachycardias
–Control rate, terminate rhythm, prevent recurrence
–Vagal maneuvers (e.g., carotid sinus massage) to
transiently block AV node may be useful (avoid in elderly, carotid bruits, or known carotid artery stenosis)
–Medications include AV nodal blocking drugs (e.g., β-blockers): Slow conduction to ventricles;
antiarrhythmics terminate rhythm, prevent recurrence
–Cardioversion is reserved for symptomatic patients
–Radiofrequency ablation is more definitive means of
terminating arrhythmias and preventing recurrences
>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Palpitations:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Attention to airway, breathing, and circulation
-
Treat the underlying cause
-
Discontinue offending drugs
-
Anxiolytics may be needed for significant anxiety
-
Administer adenosine, amiodarone and/or other antiarrhythmics, β-blockers, diltiazem, digoxin as indicated for rate control, suppression, or cardioversion
-
Electrophysiologic intervention (radiofrequency ablation of re-entrant pathway) may be necessary for symptomatic patients
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Murmurs - Diastolic:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Attention to hemodynamic status
-
Treat the underlying cause (e.g., anemia, infection, hyperthyroidism, MI)
-
Serial examinations to track progression of underlying cause
-
Valve repair or replacement may be indicated for severe valvular disease
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Murmurs - Systolic:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Attention to hemodynamic status
-
Treat the underlying cause (e.g., anemia, infection, hyperthyroidism, MI)
-
Serial examinations to track progression of underlying cause
-
Valve repair/replacement may be indicated for severe valvular disease
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Tachycardia/Palpitations:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
Sinus tachycardia: Treat underlying cause
- Acute therapy for SVT
–Vagal maneuvers increase vagal tone at AV node, lengthening the refractory period and breaking re-entry SVT: Ice to face (<1 year old), blowing hard on thumb (toddler/child), carotid massage (teenager)
–Adenosine: Increases refractory period of AV node better than vagal maneuvers by causing temporary AV block that breaks re-entry SVT; short (10 sec) half-life, so must give fast via IV push; side effects include hypotension (transient), chest tightness/pain, sense of “impending doom”
–Synchronized cardioversion all unstable tachycardias (especially V-fib and pulseless V-tach)
- Chronic therapy for re-entry SVT
–β
-blockers, digoxin (not in WPW), calcium channel blockers (not if <1 year old), other antiarrhythmics
–Ablation of bypass tract via cardiac catheterization
>>>>>> >>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Pulse rhythm abnormality:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
Quickly look for signs of reduced cardiac output, such as a decreased level of consciousness (LOC), hypotension, or dizziness. Promptly obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) and possibly a chest X-ray, and begin cardiac monitoring. Insert an I.V. line for administration of emergency cardiac drugs, and give oxygen by nasal cannula or mask. Closely monitor the patient’s vital signs, pulse quality, and cardiac rhythm because accompanying bradycardia or tachycardia may result in poor tolerance of the abnormal rhythm and cause further deterioration of cardiac output. Keep emergency intubation, cardioversion, defibrillation, and suction equipment handy.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Tachycardia:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
After detecting tachycardia, take the patient’s other vital signs and determine his level of consciousness (LOC). If the patient has increased or decreased blood pressure and is drowsy or confused, administer oxygen and begin cardiac monitoring. Perform electrocardiography (ECG) to examine for reduced cardiac output, which may initiate or result from tachycardia. Insert an I.V. line for fluid, blood product, and drug administration, and gather emergency resuscitation equipment.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Palpitations:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient complains of palpitations, ask him about dizziness and shortness of breath. Then inspect for pale, cool, clammy skin. Take the patient’s vital signs, noting hypotension and an irregular or abnormal pulse. If these signs are present, suspect cardiac arrhythmia. Prepare to begin cardiac monitoring and, if necessary, to deliver electroshock therapy. Start an I.V. line to administer an antiarrhythmic, if needed.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Premature labor:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment is intended to suppress premature labor when tests show immature fetal pulmonary development, cervical dilation is less than 1½"(4 cm), and the absence of factors that contraindicate continuation of pregnancy. Such treatment consists of bed rest and, when necessary, drug therapy, but neither has been proven beneficial in all patients.
The following pharmacologic agents can suppress premature labor for up to 48 hours:
❑ Beta-adrenergic stimulants (terbutaline, isoxsuprine, or ritodrine): Stimulation of the beta2-adrenergic receptors inhibits contractility of uterine smooth muscle. Adverse effects include maternal tachycardia and hypotension, and fetal tachycardia.
❑ Magnesium sulfate: Direct action on the myometrium relaxes the muscle. It also produces maternal adverse effects, such as drowsiness, slurred speech, flushing, decreased reflexes, decreased GI motility, and decreased respirations. Fetal and neonatal adverse effects may include central nervous system (CNS) depression, decreased respirations, and decreased sucking reflex.
Maternal factors that jeopardize the fetus, making premature delivery the lesser risk, include intrauterine infection, abruptio placentae, placental insufficiency, and severe preeclampsia. Among the fetal problems that become more perilous as pregnancy nears term are severe isoimmunization and congenital anomalies.
Ideally, treatment for active premature labor should take place in a regional perinatal intensive care center, where the staff is specially trained to handle this situation. In such settings, the neonate can remain close to his parents. (Community health care facilities commonly lack the equipment necessary for special neonatal care and transfer the neonate alone to a perinatal center.)
Treatment and delivery require an intensive team effort, focusing on:
❑ continuous assessment of the neonate’s health through fetal monitoring
❑ administration of antenatal steroids to assist fetal lung development, unless contraindicated
❑ maintenance of adequate hydration through I.V. fluids.
Prevention of premature labor requires good prenatal care, adequate nutrition, and proper rest. Insertion of a purse-string suture (cerclage) to reinforce an incompetent cervix at 14 to 18 weeks’gestation may prevent premature labor in patients with histories of this disorder. However, this can be dangerous if an incompetent cervix is misdiagnosed and premature labor is the true cause.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Murmurs:
Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Instruct the patient to contact his physician before undergoing invasive procedures or dental work because prophylactic antibiotics may be necessary.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Pulse rhythm abnormality:
Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Quickly look for signs of reduced cardiac output, such as decreased level of consciousness (LOC), hypotension, or dizziness. Promptly obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) and possibly a chest X-ray, and begin cardiac monitoring. Insert an I.V. line for administration of emergency cardiac drugs, and give oxygen by nasal cannula or mask. Closely monitor vital signs, pulse quality, and cardiac rhythm because accompanying bradycardia or tachycardia may result in poor tolerance of the abnormal rhythm and cause further deterioration of cardiac output. Keep emergency intubation, cardioversion, and suction equipment handy.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Tachycardia:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If you detect tachycardia, first perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for reduced cardiac output, which may initiate or result from tachycardia. Take the patient’s other vital signs and determine his level of consciousness (LOC). If the patient has increased or decreased blood pressure and is drowsy or confused, administer oxygen and begin cardiac monitoring. Insert an I.V. line for fluid, blood product, and drug administration, and gather emergency resuscitation equipment.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Palpitations:
Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient complains of palpitations, ask him about dizziness and shortness of breath. Inspect for pale, cool, clammy skin. Take the patient’s vital signs, noting hypotension and irregular or abnormal pulse. If these signs are present, suspect cardiac arrhythmia. Prepare to begin cardiac monitoring and, if necessary, to deliver electroshock therapy. Start an I.V. line to administer an antiarrhythmic, if needed.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Murmurs:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiography, echocardiography, and angiography. Administer an antibiotic and an anticoagulant as appropriate. Because any cardiac abnormality is frightening to the patient, provide emotional support.
Patient teaching
Instruct the patient to contact his physician before undergoing invasive procedures or dental work because prophylactic antibiotics may be necessary. Explain the signs and symptoms the patient should report.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Pulse rhythm abnormality:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Be prepared to administer sedation if the patient requires cardioversion therapy. Check his vital signs frequently to detect bradycardia, tachycardia, hypertension or hypotension, tachypnea, and dyspnea. Also, monitor intake, output, and daily weight.
Collect blood samples for serum electrolyte, cardiac enzyme, and drug level studies. Prepare the patient for a chest X-ray and a 12-lead ECG. If possible, obtain a previous ECG with which to compare current findings. Prepare the patient for 24-hour Holter monitoring.
Assist the patient with ambulation, as necessary. To prevent falls and injury, raise the side rails of his bed and don’t leave him unattended while he’s sitting or walking.
If indicated, prepare the patient for transfer to a cardiac or intensive care unit.
Patient teaching
Instruct the patient to keep a diary of activities and symptoms that develop to correlate with the incidence of arrhythmias. Educate him about the importance of avoiding tobacco and caffeine, both of which increase arrhythmia. Provide information on smoking cessation programs. Discuss strategies to improve medication compliance.
Teach the patient how to take his pulse rate and advise him to notify his physician if he detects an abnormality. Explain the signs and symptoms he should report to his physician immediately as well as those necessitating immediate emergency care.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Tachycardia:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Monitor the patient closely. Explain ordered diagnostic tests, such as a thyroid panel, electrolyte and hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, pulmonary function studies, and 12-lead ECG. If appropriate, prepare him for an ambulatory ECG.
Patient teaching
Provide information about the possibility of the tachyarrhythmia recurring. Teach the patient to take his pulse and monitor his blood pressure at home. Explain the importance of following the medication regimen as prescribed, such as thyroid medication or antiarrhythmics. Explain dietary limitations such as caffeine and alcohol.
Explain that an antiarrhythmic and an internal defibrillator or ablation therapy may be indicated for symptomatic tachycardia.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Palpitations:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram and Holter monitoring. Provide supplemental oxygen, as indicated. Assess the patient for electrolyte imbalances as a potential cause for the condition. To alleviate the anxiety that may arise with palpitations, provide a quiet, comfortable environment.
Patient teaching
If the patient’s palpitations are related to anxiety, provide information about anxiety and stress management. Refer him to community support services for stress management and therapy. Reinforce the need to avoid caffeine and provide information on alcohol and smoking cessation programs, as appropriate.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Murmurs:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Although not usually a sign of an emergency, murmurs — especially newly developed ones — may signal a serious complication in patients with bacterial endocarditis or a recent acute MI. When caring for a patient with known or suspected bacterial endocarditis, carefully auscultate for any new murmurs. Their development along with crackles, distended jugular veins, orthopnea, and dyspnea may signal heart failure.
Regular auscultation is also important in a patient who has experienced an acute MI. A loud decrescendo holosystolic murmur at the apex that radiates to the axilla and left sternal border or throughout the chest is significant, particularly in association with a widely split S2 and an atrial gallop (S4). This murmur, when accompanied by signs of acute pulmonary edema, usually indicates the development of acute mitral insufficiency due to rupture of the chordae tendineae — a medical emergency.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Pulse rhythm abnormality:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Quickly look for signs of reduced cardiac output, such as decreased level of consciousness (LOC), hypotension, or dizziness. Promptly obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) and possibly a chest X-ray, and begin cardiac monitoring. Insert an I.V. line for administration of emergency cardiac drugs, and give oxygen by nasal cannula or mask. Closely monitor vital signs, pulse quality, and cardiac rhythm because accompanying bradycardia or tachycardia may result in poor tolerance of the abnormal rhythm and cause further deterioration of cardiac output. Keep emergency intubation, cardioversion, and suction equipment handy.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Pulsus bisferiens:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Teach the patient about the treatment of the underlying disorder. If the patient complains of fatigue, encourage him to take frequent rest periods throughout the day. Tell the patient to weigh himself daily and to report an increase of more than 3 lb (1.4 kg). Discuss signs and symptoms of heart failure to report to the health care provider.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Tachycardia:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
After detecting tachycardia, first perform electrocardiography (ECG) to examine for reduced cardiac output, which may initiate or result from tachycardia. Take the patient’s other vital signs and determine his level of consciousness (LOC). If the patient has increased or decreased blood pressure and is drowsy or confused, administer oxygen and begin cardiac monitoring. Insert an I.V. line for fluid, blood product, and drug administration, and gather emergency resuscitation equipment.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Palpitations:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If the patient complains of palpitations, ask him about dizziness and shortness of breath. Then inspect for pale, cool, clammy skin. Take the patient’s vital signs, noting hypotension and irregular or abnormal pulse. If these signs are present, suspect cardiac arrhythmia. Prepare to begin cardiac monitoring and, if necessary, to deliver electroshock therapy. Start an I.V. line to administer an antiarrhythmic, if needed.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Murmurs:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiography, echocardiography, and angiography.
▪ Administer an antibiotic and an anticoagulant as appropriate.
▪ Because a cardiac abnormality is frightening to the patient, provide emotional support.
▪ Monitor the patient's heart rhythm and vital signs.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the use of prophylactic antibiotics.
▪ Explain signs and symptoms that require prompt medical attention.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Pulse rhythm abnormality:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Monitor cardiac rhythm and obtain a 12-lead ECG.
▪ Prepare the patient for cardioversion, if indicated .
▪ Check vital signs frequently to detect hypertension or hypotension, tachypnea, and dyspnea. Also, monitor intake, output, daily weight, and pulse oximetry.
▪ Collect blood samples for serum electrolyte, cardiac markers, complete blood count, and drug level studies. Prepare the patient for a chest X-ray.
▪ Obtain a previous ECG with which to compare current findings.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the importance of keeping a diary of activities and any symptoms that develop to correlate with the incidence of arrhythmias.
▪ Instruct the patient to avoid tobacco and caffeine.
▪ Teach the patient how to take his pulse.
▪ Reinforce signs and symptoms that require prompt medical attention.
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
▪ Teach the patient about prescribed medications, including dosage, administration, and possible adverse effects.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Pulsus bisferiens:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, cardiac catheterization, or angiography. (See Managing the patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.)
▪ Schedule regular rest periods.
▪ Monitor intake and output and daily weight.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and its treatments.
▪ Discuss signs and symptoms that require prompt medical attention.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Tachycardia:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Monitor the patient's cardiovascular status and vital signs closely.
▪ Administer medications or fluids to control heart rate.
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as a thyroid panel, electrolyte and hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, pulmonary function studies, 12-lead ECG, if appropriate, an ambulatory ECG.
Patient teaching
▪ Educate the patient about the possibility of the tachyarrhythmia recurring.
▪ Explain that an antiarrhythmic and an internal defibrillator or ablation therapy may be indicated for symptomatic tachycardia.
▪ Discuss the underlying cause of the tachycardia and its treatments.
▪ Explain medications, their proper dosage and administration, and possible adverse effects.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Palpitations:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram and Holter monitoring.
▪ Maintain a quiet, comfortable environment to minimize anxiety and perhaps decrease palpitations.
▪ Monitor for signs of reduced cardiac output and cardiac arrhythmias.
▪ Prepare the patient for cardioversion, if indicated.
▪ Provide supplemental oxygen.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain all diagnostic tests and procedures.
▪ Teach the patient how to reduce anxiety.
▪ Explain the disorder and treatment plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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