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Suggest Treatment For Rapid Heart Beat Despite Suffering From Viral Infection
Posted on
Fri, 2 Jan 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 3 Jan 2015
Answered on
Fri, 30 Jan 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : My wife (70 years old) has had an intestinal virus for 24 hours. She is experiencing a rapid heartbeat of 118-138 beats/minute but her blood pressure is normal. How can we reduce the rapid heartrate and is it dangerous? thank you.
Brief Answer:
most resolve on own
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Vomiting, diarrhea and decreased oral intake can result in a decrease in body fluids and also a disturbance in normal electrolyte levels.
Some of the electrolytes that can be affected are sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium
Disturbance in these levels and loss of body fluids can affect the heart rate.
She may want to consider the use of sport drinks ( eg gatorade) or oral rehydration packets from her local pharmacy. Both of these should contain electrolytes and would also replace any necessary fluids.
The heart rate should be monitored. If it does not improve, worsens or it is associated with additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, then she should see her doctor for assessment.
This assessment would include cardiac examination and an ECG
In most persons the symptoms resolves on their own.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
most resolve on own
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Vomiting, diarrhea and decreased oral intake can result in a decrease in body fluids and also a disturbance in normal electrolyte levels.
Some of the electrolytes that can be affected are sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium
Disturbance in these levels and loss of body fluids can affect the heart rate.
She may want to consider the use of sport drinks ( eg gatorade) or oral rehydration packets from her local pharmacy. Both of these should contain electrolytes and would also replace any necessary fluids.
The heart rate should be monitored. If it does not improve, worsens or it is associated with additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, then she should see her doctor for assessment.
This assessment would include cardiac examination and an ECG
In most persons the symptoms resolves on their own.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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