Description

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a type of irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia. It is a very fast or irregular heartbeat that affects the upper chambers of the heart. SVT also called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

The typical heart beats 60 to 100 times per minute. During SVT , the heart beats around 150 to 220 times per minute. From time to time beats faster or slower.

The majority of people with supraventricular tachycardia do not require treatment. When it is recommended that the treatment may include specific actions or movements, medications, a heart procedure, or a device to control the heartbeat.

Types of

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is divided into three main groups:

  • The nodal reentrant tachycardia atrioventricular (TIN). This is the most common type of supraventricular tachycardia.
  • Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT). This is the second most common type of supraventricular tachycardia. It is more common in younger people.
  • Atrial tachycardia. This type of SVT is observed with greater frequency in people who have heart disease. Atrial tachycardia does not involve the AV node.

Other types of supraventricular tachycardia include:

  • Sinus nodal reentrant tachycardia (SNRT).
  • Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST).
  • Mat (MAT).
  • Junctional tachycardia ectopic (JET).
  • Nonparoxysmal junctional tachycardia (NPJT).

Symptoms

The main symptom of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a very fast heartbeat, which can last from a few minutes to a couple of days. The heart beats more than 100 times per minute. In general, during SVT , the heart beat of 150 to 220 times per minute. The rapid heartbeat that can appear and disappear suddenly.

The symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia may include:

  • Pounding or fluttering feelings in the chest, called palpitations.
  • A pounding sensation in the neck.
  • Pain in the chest.
  • Fainting or nearly fainting.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Sweating.
  • Weakness or extreme tiredness.

Some people with SVT not notice the symptoms.

In infants and very young children, the symptoms of SVT may be vague. Symptoms may include sweating, lack of appetite, a change in the color of the skin, and a rapid pulse. If your baby or child has any of these symptoms, talk with a health care professional.

When to see a doctor

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is usually not life-threatening, unless you have damage in the heart or other heart disease. But if SVT is severe, the irregular beat of the heart can cause the whole heart to suddenly stop. This is called sudden cardiac arrest.

Call a health care professional if you have a very fast heartbeat for the first time or if an irregular heartbeat lasts more than a few seconds.

The symptoms of SVT may be related to a serious health condition. Call 911 or the local emergency number if you have a very fast heartbeat that lasts more than a few minutes or if a rapid heartbeat occurs with these symptoms:

  • Pain in the chest.
  • The dizziness.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • The weakness.

Causes

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is caused by defective signaling in the heart. The electrical signals in the heart to control the heart rate.

In SVT , a change in the heart of signage makes the heart beat start very early in the heart's upper chambers. When this happens, the heart speeds up. The heart can't fill with blood properly. Symptoms such as lightheadedness or dizziness may occur.

How does the heart beat?

To understand the cause of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), it might help to know how the heart works normally.

The heart has four chambers:

  • The two upper chambers are called atria.
  • The two lower chambers are called the ventricles.

In the interior of the upper right part of the heart of the camera is a group of cells called the sinus node. The sinus node causes the signal start of each beat of the heart.

The signals move through the upper chambers of the heart. Then, the signals that arrive at a group of cells called the AV node, where it is usually slower. The signals then go to the bottom chambers of the heart.

In a healthy heart, this heart of signaling process usually goes well. The heart normally beats 60 to 100 times per minute at rest. But in SVT , the heart beats faster than 100 beats per minute. The heart may beat 150 to 220 times per minute.

Risk factors

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common type of arrhythmia in infants and children. It also tends to occur more often in women, especially during pregnancy.

Health conditions or treatments that may increase the risk of supraventricular tachycardia include:

  • Coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and other diseases of the heart.
  • Heart failure.
  • A problem of the heart that are present at birth, also called a congenital defect of the heart.
  • Previous heart surgery.
  • A sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Disease of the thyroid.
  • Diabetes is not controlled.
  • Some medications, including those used to treat asthma, allergies, and colds.

Other things that may increase the risk of SVT include:

  • The emotional stress.
  • The excess of caffeine.
  • The excessive use of alcohol, defined as 14 or more drinks a week for men and seven or more drinks a week for women.
  • Smoking and the use of nicotine.
  • Stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

Complications

When the heart beats too fast, can't send enough blood to the body. As a result, organs and tissues may not get enough oxygen.

Over time, without treatment and the frequent attacks of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure. This is especially true in people who also have other medical conditions.

A severe attack of SVT can cause fainting or sudden loss of all heart activity, called sudden cardiac arrest.

Prevention

The same lifestyle changes is used to manage supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) can also help to prevent this. Try these tips.

  • Follow a heart-healthy lifestyle. Eating a nutritious diet, not smoking, regular exercise, and managing stress.
  • Do not use a large amount of caffeine. Avoid large amounts of caffeine. To the majority of people with supraventricular tachycardia, moderate amounts of caffeine do not trigger episodes of SVT .
  • Keep a notebook or a diary when symptoms occur. Include symptoms, your heart rate and what you were doing at the time of the fast heartbeat. This information can help you to learn the things that trigger very fast heartbeat.
  • The use of drugs carefully. Some medicines, including those bought without a prescription, can contain stimulants that can trigger the SVT .

Diagnosis

To diagnose supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a health care professional examines and listen to your heart. A member of your care team to taking the blood pressure. Normally you have questions about your symptoms, health habits, and medical history.

Tests

Tests to diagnose supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) may include:

  • Blood tests. A sample of blood is taken to check for other causes of a rapid heartbeat, such as thyroid disease.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This quick test checks the heartbeat. Sticky patches, called electrodes, to attach in the chest and sometimes the arms or legs. An EKG shows how fast or slow the heart is beating. Some personal devices, such as smartwatches, you can do Ekgs . Ask your health care team if this is an option for you.
  • Holter Monitor. This portable ECG device is worn for 1 to 2 days to record the activity of the heart during daily activities. It can detect irregular heart beats that are not found during an ECG .
  • Event recorder. This device is as a Holter monitor, but the records only at certain times for a few minutes at a time. It is typically used for about 30 days. Normally push of a button when you feel symptoms. Some devices automatically record when an irregular heartbeat occurs.
  • Implantable loop recorder. This device records the heart beats continuously for up to three years. It is also called a cardiac event recorder. It is shown how the heart is beating during daily activities.
  • The echocardiogram. Use sound waves to create images of the beating heart. This test can show how blood flows through the heart and the heart valves.

Other tests that may be done to diagnose SVT include:

  • Exercise stress test. The exercise can trigger or worsen the supraventricular tachycardia. During a stress test, generally of exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike while the activity of the heart is activated. If you can't do the exercise, you may administer a drug that increases the heart rate as you exercise. Sometimes an echocardiogram is done during a stress test.
  • Tilt table test. This test may be done to know if a rapid heartbeat leading to fainting. His heart rate, heart rate, and blood pressure are checked while you lie down on a table. Then, under careful supervision, the table is tilted to a standing position. A member of your care team watches how the heart and the nervous system respond to changes in the position.
  • Electrophysiology (EP) study.This test helps to show that the defects of heart signals start in the heart. AnEPstudy is mainly used to diagnose specific types of tachycardia and an irregular heart beat. During this test, a doctor's guide to the one or more flexible tubes through a blood vessel, usually in the groin, to the various areas in the heart. Sensors at the tips of the tubes and record the electrical signals of the heart.

Electrophysiology (EP) study. This test helps to show that the defects of heart signals start in the heart. An EP study is primarily used to diagnose specific types of tachycardia and an irregular heart beat.

During this test, a doctor's guide to the one or more flexible tubes through a blood vessel, usually in the groin, to the various areas in the heart. Sensors at the tips of the tubes and record the electrical signals of the heart.

Treatment

The majority of people with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) do not need treatment. If the heartbeat is very fast it happens often or lasts too long, your health care team may recommend a treatment.

The treatment for SVT may include:

  • Carotid sinus massage. The carotid arteries are the two major blood vessels that carry blood to the head and brain. There is one on each side of the neck. During the massage of the carotid sinus, a professional of the health delicately in a specific area of the neck of the carotid artery. This causes the body to release chemicals that slow the heart rate. Carotid massage should only be performed by an experienced health care professional. Do carotid sinus massage in your own.
  • Maneuvers vagal. Simple but with specific actions, such as coughing, bearing down as if to step stools or putting a bag of ice on your face can help to slow the pace of the heart. These actions affect the vagus nerve, which helps control the heartbeat.
  • Drugs. If SVT happens frequently, you may be given medicines to control heart rhythm or to reset the heart rhythm. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as described in order to reduce the complications.
  • Cardioversion. Paddles or patches on the chest to deliver the shock to reset the heart rhythm. This treatment is usually used when you need emergency care or when maneuvering vagal and the drugs don't work. It is also possible to do cardioversion with medications.
  • The ablation catheter. In this treatment, a doctor inserts one or more thin, flexible tubes called catheters through a blood vessel, usually in the groin area. The sensors in the tip of the probe is the use of heat or cold energy to create small scars on the heart. The scars block defective heart signals that cause the irregular heartbeat.
  • Pacemaker. Rarely, a small device called a pacemaker is necessary to help the heart to beat. It stimulates the heart, as it is necessary to keep beating regularly. A pacemaker is placed under the skin near the collarbone in a minor surgery. The cables connect the device to the heart.

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you have supraventricular tachycardia, a heart-healthy lifestyle is an important part of your treatment plan.

Try these tips to keep the heart healthy:

  • Do not smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke and can't stop smoking, talk with your health care team about the programs or treatments that can help.
  • Eat healthy foods. Choose fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit the salt and saturated fat.
  • Get regular exercise. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. Talk with your health care team about the amount and type of exercise is best for you.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. Ask your health care team what is the ideal weight for you.
  • Control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Make lifestyle changes and take medications as directed. Get health checkups.
  • Manage stress. Find ways to help reduce emotional stress. The practice of mindfulness and join a support group, are some of the ways to reduce and manage stress. If you have anxiety or depression, talk with your health care team about the strategies to help.
  • Sleep well. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart disease and other health conditions. Adults should get 7 to 9 hours a day.
  • Limit the consumption of alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Alternative medicine

Techniques to relieve stress, such as meditation and yoga, may help slow the heart rate.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have an unusually fast heartbeat, make an appointment for a health checkup. If a very fast heartbeat lasts more than a couple of minutes, get medical attention immediately.

You may be referred to a physician trained in the heart, called a cardiologist. You can also see a doctor trained in heart rhythm disorders, called an electrophysiologist.

Appointments can be brief. Because there's often a lot to discuss, it is a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help get you started.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as avoiding food or drinks. You may need to do this if your care team orders exams.

Make a list ahead of time, that you can share with your health care team. Your list should include:

  • Any of the symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to your heart.
  • Important personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • All the medicines that you take. Include vitamins, supplements, and medicines purchased with and without a prescription. Also include the dose.
  • Questions to ask your health care team.

For supraventricular tachycardia, basic questions to ask your health care professional include:

  • What is the likely cause of my rapid heart beat?
  • What kinds of tests do I need?
  • What is the most appropriate treatment?
  • What are the risks of SVT ?
  • How often do I have any health examinations?
  • How to make other conditions you have or medications I take affect my heartbeat?
  • What should I avoid or stop doing any of the activities?
  • Is there any printed information that I can bring to my house? What sites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask additional questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care team will probably ask a lot of questions. Be prepared to answer them you can save your time to go through all the information that you want to spend more time. Your care team may ask:

  • When did the symptoms begin?
  • How often do you have a fast heartbeat?
  • How long does the fast heartbeat for the last time?
  • Does anything, like exercise, stress, or caffeine, make symptoms worse?
  • Does anyone in your family have heart disease or a history of irregular heartbeats?
  • Has someone in your family has had a sudden cardiac arrest or died suddenly?
  • Do you smoke or have you ever smoked?
  • The amount of alcohol or caffeine use, if any?
  • What medications do you take?
  • Do you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or other conditions that may affect the health of your heart?
Symptoms and treatment of Supraventricular tachycardia