Description

Nodal atrioventricular tachycardia reentry (AVNRT) is a type of irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia. It is the most common type of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

People with TIN has a very fast heartbeat that often starts and ends suddenly. In TIN, the heart beats more than 100 times per minute. The condition is due to a change in the heart of signaling.

TIN tends to occur more frequently in young women. But anyone can have at any age. TIN may not need treatment. When treatment is necessary, it may include specific actions or movements, medications, or a heart operation.

Symptoms

A very fast heartbeat is the most common symptom of block atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). In TIN, the heart can beat from 120 to 280 times per minute. Fast heartbeat usually starts suddenly.

TIN does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • A feeling of pounding in the neck.
  • Pounding or fluttering heartbeat, called palpitations.
  • Pressure in the chest, feeling of tightness or pain.
  • Dizziness or feeling light-headed.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Sweating.
  • Weakness or extreme tiredness.
  • Fainting or nearly fainting.

The symptoms of TIN can be mild in children. Some of the symptoms include sweating, difficulty feeding, changes in the color of skin, and rapid heartbeat.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment for a health check if you have pain of the changes in the beat of his heart.

Also consult with a healthcare professional if you have a baby or a child has these symptoms:

  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Sweating for no reason.
  • Changes in the power supply.
  • Changes in the color of the skin.

Call 911 or the local emergency number if a very fast heartbeat that lasts for several minutes or happens with these symptoms:

  • Pain in the chest.
  • The dizziness.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • The weakness.

Causes

Nodal atrioventricular tachycardia reentry (AVNRT) is caused by faulty electrical signaling in the heart. The electrical signals of control of the heartbeat.

Generally, the electrical signals in the heart to follow a specific pathway. In the TIN, there is an extra signaling pathway, is called a reentry circuit. The extra pathway causes the heart to beat too early. This stops the heart pump blood as it should.

Health care professionals are not sure why some people have the extra pathway that causes TIN. Sometimes, changes in the heart's structure can cause.

Risk factors

Nodal atrioventricular tachycardia reentry (AVNRT) is more common in young women. But anyone can get it.

Some health conditions or treatments may increase the risk of TIN. These include:

  • Coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and other diseases of the heart.
  • Heart failure.
  • Condition of the heart that are present at birth is called a congenital defect of the heart.
  • Above the heart, the lungs or throat surgery.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Disease of the thyroid.
  • Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Diabetes is not controlled.
  • Some medications, including those used to treat asthma, allergies, and colds.

Other things that may increase the risk of TIN include:

  • The emotional stress.
  • Caffeine.
  • The excessive use of alcohol, defined as 15 or more drinks a week for men and eight or more drinks a week for women.
  • Smoking and the use of nicotine.
  • Stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

Complications

The possible complications of TIN are:

  • The worsening of existing heart disease.
  • The sudden stopping of all heart activity, the so-called sudden cardiac arrest.

Diagnosis

To diagnose nodal atrioventricular tachycardia reentry (AVNRT), a healthcare professional will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. The healthcare provider listens to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.

The tests are often done to check the health of the heart.

Tests

The tests used to diagnose nodal atrioventricular tachycardia reentry (AVNRT) can include:

  • Blood tests. Blood tests can check for thyroid disease and other conditions that can cause an irregular heart rhythm.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This simple test checks the electrical activity of the heart. It shows how fast or slow the heart is beating.
  • Holter Monitor. This portable ECG device is worn by a day or more, to record the heart's activity during daily activities. A Holter monitor can be found a rapid or irregular heartbeat that is not shown on a regular electrocardiogram.
  • The echocardiogram. Sound waves create images of the beating heart. An echocardiogram shows the heart's size and the way that blood flows through the heart.
  • The stress tests. These tests often involve walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while the activity of the heart is seen. Exercise tests show how the heart reacts to physical activity. If you are unable to do exercise, you could get drugs that affect the heart as the exercise you do.
  • The electrophysiological study. It is also called an EP study, this test can show where in the heart the irregular beating of the heart begins. 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 nodal atrioventricular tachycardia reentry (AVNRT) do not need treatment. But if the heartbeat fast it happens often or lasts a long time, the treatment may be needed.

Treatment for the TIN may include:

  • Maneuvers vagal. Simple but with specific actions, such as coughing, bearing down as if step stool, gently massaging the main artery in the neck or put an ice bag to the face can help to slow the pace of the heart. These actions affect the vagus nerve, which helps control the heartbeat.
  • Drugs. If the heartbeat fast it frequently happens, your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to lower or control your heart rate.
  • Cardioversion . Paddles or patches on the chest are used to electrically shock the heart and help to restore the heart rhythm. Cardioversion is usually used when the maneuvers vagal and the drugs don't work.
  • The ablation catheter. This treatment may be suggested if the drugs don't work, or if your side effects are too bothersome. A doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through a blood vessel, usually in the groin, and the guide for the heart. 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 of blocks of irregular electrical signals and restore a typical beat of the heart.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have a very fast heartbeat that often starts and ends suddenly, make an appointment for a health checkup. If a fast heartbeat lasts more than a couple of minutes, get medical attention immediately.

You can see a doctor trained in heart, called a cardiologist. You can also see a doctor trained in heart rhythm disorders, called an electrophysiologist.

Appointments can be short, so it's good to be prepared. Here's some information to help you prepare for your visit.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is anything that you need to do beforehand. For example, you may be asked not to eat or drink before a few tests.

Make a list to 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 big changes in your life.
  • All the medicines that you take. Write down all of the vitamins, supplements and medicines that you purchased with and without a prescription. Include the dose.
  • Questions to ask your health care team.

For nodal atrioventricular tachycardia reentry (AVNRT), some questions to ask your health care professional include:

  • What is the cause of my rapid heart rate?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What treatment is right for me?
  • What are the risks of TIN?
  • How often will I need checkups?
  • How to make other conditions you have or medications I take affect my heartbeat?
  • I need to change my activities or what they eat and drink?
  • Do you have information I can bring to my house? What websites do you suggest?

Do not hesitate to ask any other 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 the time to talk about any other concerns. Your care team may ask:

  • When did the symptoms begin?
  • How often do you have a fast heartbeat?
  • How long does it last?
  • Does anything make your symptoms worse?
  • Does anyone in your family have a fast heartbeat or other heart disease?
  • Someone in your family has died suddenly or had a sudden cardiac arrest?
  • Have you ever smoked, or do you smoke now?
  • Make use of alcohol or caffeine? If so, how much and with what frequency?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • Do you have health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or another condition that could affect your heart?
Symptoms and treatment of the block Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT)