About-Cardio
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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.
Understanding the Causes of PSVT (Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia)
Introduction
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) is a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that originates in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). It is characterized by abrupt episodes of rapid heart rate (tachycardia) that can stop just as suddenly as they start. Understanding the causes of PSVT is essential for managing and preventing the condition.
Causes and Mechanisms
PSVT occurs due to faulty electrical signals in the heart. The main causes include:
1. Re-entrant Circuits in the Heart
- AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT): The most common cause of PSVT. It occurs when an extra electrical pathway is present in or near the atrioventricular (AV) node, leading to rapid heartbeats.
- Atrioventricular Reciprocating Tachycardia (AVRT): This occurs when an extra electrical pathway (accessory pathway) outside the AV node creates a re-entry circuit, leading to arrhythmia. An example is Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.
2. Triggers and Risk Factors
- Excessive Stimulation of the Heart: Stress, caffeine, alcohol, and stimulant medications can trigger PSVT.
- Structural Heart Disease: Conditions such as congenital heart defects or valve diseases can predispose a patient to PSVT.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Low potassium or magnesium levels can affect the heart's electrical activity.
- Thyroid Disorders: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can increase the risk of developing PSVT.
Symptoms of PSVT
- Sudden rapid heartbeat (often 150–250 beats per minute)
- Palpitations
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort (not typically pain but awareness of the heart beating abnormally)
Diagnosis and Management
1. Diagnostic Tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Holter monitoring (24-hour ECG monitoring)
- Electrophysiological study (EPS) for advanced cases
2. Treatment Approaches
- Vagal Maneuvers: Techniques such as bearing down or splashing cold water on the face can sometimes stop an episode.
- Medications: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmic drugs.
- Catheter Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure to destroy abnormal electrical pathways causing the PSVT.
Conclusion
PSVT is usually not life-threatening but can significantly impact daily life. Identifying triggers, making lifestyle changes, and seeking appropriate medical treatment can effectively manage this condition.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Supraventricular Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2015/09/23/09/13/2015-ACC-AHA-HRS-Guideline-for-the-Management-of-Adult-Patients-With-SVT
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26399662/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on 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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