Supraventricular tachycardia: symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is supraventricular tachycardia?

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a condition that occurs when the heart beats too fast, causing the heart to not fill completely with blood. The heart normally beats 60-100 bpm, but in people with supraventricular tachycardia, the heart beats 150-250 beats per minute (bpm). There are many types of supraventricular tachycardia, such as chronic atrial fibrillation (AFIB), paroxysmal sinus tachycardia, atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) and atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. If you suspect you have an SVT, seek medical attention immediately.

How common is supraventricular tachycardia?

Both men and women can experience SVT, but SVT tends to be more common in women. SVT is the most common type of arrhythmia in children. SVT can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia?

The most common symptom is palpitations or a fast heartbeat. Other symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting, angina (chest pain), fatigue, sweating and nausea. Symptoms can appear and stop suddenly and last for several minutes. Some people may experience no symptoms at all. In some serious cases, the patient may lose consciousness.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes supraventricular tachycardia?

Usually, the electrical signals that appear in the sinoatrial (SA) knot of the heart initiate contractions in the atria. Then, the ventricles contract. SVT occurs when additional electrical pathways trigger an accelerated heart rate. Causes include:

• Medicines (such as digoxin, theophylline)
• Lung conditions (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia)
• Alcohol, caffeine, illegal drugs and smoking can increase the risk of SVT.
• One type of SVT, namely Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome can be inherited.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for supraventricular tachycardia?

There are many risk factors for SVT, namely:

• Damage to heart tissue from heart disease
• Abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that are present at birth (congenital)
• Anemia
• High blood pressure
• Sports that are too intense
• Restlessness, sudden stress, fear
• Smoking or drinking too much alcohol and caffeinated drinks
• Abuse of drugs, such as caffeine
• Electrolyte imbalance, a mineral substance associated with electrical impulses
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Having no risk factors doesn't mean you can't get SVT. The above factors are for reference only. You should consult a doctor for more details.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to diagnose supraventricular tachycardia?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an effective tool in diagnosing tachycardia as well as other cardiovascular problems. The doctor can make a diagnosis by listening to the heartbeat. Blood that flows abnormally through the mitral valve and produces a sound is called a murmur. The doctor can hear the sound of the murmur with the help of a stethoscope. The timing and location of the murmur helps the doctor know which valve is affected.

The doctor uses a physical exam, medical history, electrocardiography (ECG), laboratory tests and chest X-ray for the initial diagnosis. The doctor can do a Holter monitor, a portable 24-hour ECG, to see how often an SVT occurs over a 24 hour period. Doctors can also perform an electrophysiology study (EPS) for a more accurate diagnosis.

How to treat supraventricular tachycardia?

Treatment isn't necessary for people who don't have symptoms.

For conditions with symptoms, treatment may include vagal maneuvers, such as the Valsalva maneuver or coughing, and splashing cold water on the face.

Drugs such as adenosine, diltiazem and verapamil can be given. Doctors may use electrical cardioversion for emergency treatment or if other treatments don't work. In electrical cardioversion, a light electric shock is given to restore the heart's rhythm.

For repeated SVT, treatment can involve medications (such as beta-blockers), pacemakers, catheter ablation and surgery.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat supraventricular tachycardia?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you treat supraventricular tachycardia:

• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
• Get plenty of rest time.
• Limit consumption of tea and coffee.
• Avoid illegal drugs, such as cocaine.
• Exercise regularly and have a healthy diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
• Quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about strategies or programs to help you quit smoking.
• Use over-the-counter drugs with caution because they can contain stimulants that can trigger a fast heartbeat. Ask your doctor for a list of medicines you need to avoid.
• Deal with stress. Avoid unnecessary stress and learn how to deal with stress in a healthy way.
• Follow the progress of cardiac arrhythmias and study the substances that cause arrhythmias. For example, your heart rate increases after drinking coffee.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.