Heart medicines?

I suffer from Tachycardia, i believe is the correct term for it. I'm 16 and my pulse is normally around 120-130. About once or twice a day it will go up to 150-180, when this happens i won't be doing anything except, laying on the couch, driving, on the computer, normal daily things. The doctor talked about medicines but i refused because of sports. Lately however it has really been bothering me (the Tachycardia). I was wondering if the medicines to slow it down actually work? If anyone can give me some advice or tell me how well they work, that'd be great, thanks!

Yes, i do get shortness of breath and occasionally i feel like passing out.

i also suffer from tachycardia (PSVT) I'm 27 now but I've had this since I was 21. I take Toprol XL (metoprolol) and it brought my pulse from 140's-150's to 80's-90's. I am active and I dont have any negative things to say about my treatment, I also am a nurse and mother of 3, so I have to be energetic and "with it" at all times. I think this medicine has helped tremendously, not to mention long term if your heart works that hard you will end up with an enlarged heart which does not pump sufficiently and you wouldnt be able to do sports at all. you would also be at risk for further arrythmias which could lead to heart failure...talk to your doctor and get the facts before you completely refuse treatment. in the end, the decision is yours to make.

You have spell the word correctly, no problem. Yes, you do have tachycardia, wow, very fast tachy. Im surprised you can get by w/o shortness of breath, or without being exhausted. Your heart is beating like a persons heart that has just run a fast 2 minute mile.

It is important to find out why you have the tachy, are you seeing a cardiologist? They are the ony ones, along with cardiac electrophysiologist who can take care of this problem. I personally hate medication, since for every desired effect there is always a bad effect, and they are foreign substances. But if the rx. slows the rate that is what's important. Your rate is so fast it is incompatable with health.

Yes, the medications work. Perhaps you may look into the cause, move slowly, do your own research, and you will probably get some good ans. here. It's your one an only heart and you want to take the best step for YOU. No one cares about your life any more than you do. Once you know the cause you will more accurately be able to decide on the solutin, there are several. There is much research done on the subject, be sure to look on the web under tachycardian as it relates to adolescents.

well...to put it in the most simple terms possible...heart medicines usually act on heart related medicine receptors in the body. certain receptors create certain responses when stimulated. In particular a receptor site called the Beta-1 receptor site when stimulated increases heart rate, contractility and conduction. A medication that blocks the effect, doesnt allow chemicals to interact with these beta-1 receptors thus your heart rate will not be increased when these receptor sites would normally be stimulated. An excellent drug for this is Inderal (Propranalol) which in general blocks beta receptor sites from being stimulated by other chemicals. Cardiac medications are very very advanced and while not guaranteed, usually have very profound effects.

There are different medications that can help treat your tachycardia. A cardiologist can help determine what is causing your tachycardia through certain testing. It is important for you and your parents to evaluate with your doctor/cardiologist the best treatment options available. We all know sporting activities are important in a students life, but it is most important at this time to ensure your optimum health; this does not necessarily preclude participation in sporting activities. There may be a small delay while you are diagnosed and regulated.
There are several different classes of medications used for regulation of tachycardia depending on the cause; it is best to figure everything out with your doc. Tacycardia can be a serious arrythmia if untreated so don't ignore it...:)

how many of the caffeinated drinks do you have each day????
try drinking more water and seek the advice of your doctor.