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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.
What is Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)?
Introduction
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rhythm that originates above the ventricles in the atria or AV node. It leads to episodes of sudden-onset rapid heart rate, often exceeding 100 beats per minute, and sometimes reaching 150-250 beats per minute.
Causes
SVT is usually caused by abnormal electrical circuits in the heart's conduction system. Common mechanisms include:
- Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) – The most common type, involving dual pathways within the AV node.
- Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) – Related to conditions like Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, where an extra pathway creates a re-entry circuit.
- Atrial tachycardia – Abnormal ectopic electrical focus in the atria causing rapid firing.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the severity and duration of SVT but commonly include: - Palpitations (rapid heartbeats) - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Shortness of breath - Chest discomfort - Anxiety - Syncope (in rare cases)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made using: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Shows characteristic narrow QRS tachycardia. - Holter monitor – For intermittent episodes. - Electrophysiological studies (EPS) – For identifying specific pathways in recurrent or difficult cases.
Treatment
Acute Episode Management
- Vagal maneuvers – Such as the Valsalva maneuver or carotid sinus massage.
- Adenosine – First-line medication for SVT termination.
- Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers – Used when adenosine is ineffective.
Long-term Management
- Medications – Beta-blockers or antiarrhythmics for frequent episodes.
- Catheter ablation – Recommended for recurrent or symptomatic cases by destroying the abnormal pathway.
- Lifestyle modifications – Avoiding triggers such as excessive caffeine, alcohol, and stress.
Conclusion
SVT is a generally non-life-threatening arrhythmia, but it can significantly impact quality of life. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients can manage their condition effectively.
Source recommendations
1. 2023 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Patients With Cardiac Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000499
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.08.017
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(23)02246-4/fulltext
2. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
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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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