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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Beta Blockers for Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Introduction
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a condition characterized by an abnormally fast heart rhythm originating above the ventricles. Beta-blockers are a class of medications commonly used to manage SVT by reducing heart rate and decreasing the heart's workload.
How Beta Blockers Work in SVT
Beta-blockers work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which decreases the effects of adrenaline on the heart. This leads to: - Slower heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) - Reduced force of heart contraction (negative inotropic effect) - Less electrical excitability in the heart
These effects help prevent abnormal electrical signals that trigger SVT episodes.
Common Beta Blockers Used for SVT
- Metoprolol (selective beta-1 blocker)
- Atenolol (selective beta-1 blocker)
- Propranolol (non-selective beta blocker)
- Esmolol (short-acting beta-1 blocker, usually used in acute settings)
When to Use Beta Blockers in SVT
Beta-blockers are indicated for: - Maintenance therapy to prevent recurrent SVT episodes - Acute management of SVT in stable patients - Patients with SVT and high adrenergic tone (e.g., stress-induced SVT)
Caution and Contraindications
Beta-blockers should be used with caution in patients with: - Asthma or COPD (due to bronchoconstriction risk) - Bradycardia (slow heart rate) - Hypotension (low blood pressure) - Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (selective beta-blockers like metoprolol should be preferred)
Alternative Treatments for SVT
If beta-blockers are not suitable, alternative medications include: - Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem) - Antiarrhythmics (e.g., flecainide, amiodarone) - Catheter ablation (for recurrent or drug-resistant cases)
Conclusion
Beta-blockers are an effective treatment option for managing SVT. However, their use should be carefully individualized based on the patient’s overall condition and comorbidities.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Arrhythmias
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/highlights/hghlghts_2020_ecc_guidelines_english.pdf
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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