What is a common treatment for tachycardia?

Tachycardia, which refers to a resting heart rate that exceeds the normal range (typically over 100 beats per minute), can be managed effectively with various treatment options depending on the underlying cause. Calcium channel blockers are commonly used in the treatment of tachycardia, particularly in situations such as atrial fibrillation or other supraventricular tachycardias.

These medications work by inhibiting calcium entry into the cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This action helps to reduce the heart rate by slowing conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node and decreasing the force of contraction in the heart muscle. By controlling the heart rate, calcium channel blockers can alleviate symptoms associated with tachycardia, such as palpitations, dizziness, and chest discomfort, thereby enhancing patient quality of life.

In contrast, other pharmacological options mentioned, such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and alpha receptor antagonists, are typically not first-line treatments for tachycardia. ACE inhibitors are primarily used for heart failure and hypertension management, diuretics are utilized to reduce fluid overload, and alpha receptor antagonists primarily affect blood pressure and vascular resistance rather than directly managing heart rate. This makes calcium channel blockers a more suitable option for tach