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.
Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia (NSVT)
Introduction
Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia (NSVT) is a type of abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that originates in the ventricles. It is defined as three or more consecutive ventricular beats at a rate of over 100 beats per minute, lasting less than 30 seconds. While some cases are benign, NSVT can be a marker of underlying heart disease and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
Causes
NSVT can occur in both healthy individuals and those with heart conditions. Common causes include:
- Structural heart diseases: Myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and valvular diseases.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Low potassium or magnesium.
- Medications and stimulants: Digoxin toxicity, excessive caffeine, or illicit drugs.
- Genetic conditions: Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome.
Symptoms
NSVT may be asymptomatic or cause symptoms such as:
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects the characteristic pattern of NSVT.
- Holter monitoring: Helps identify frequent episodes.
- Echocardiography: Assesses structural heart disease.
- Cardiac MRI: For detecting myocardial fibrosis in some cases.
Treatment
Management depends on the underlying cause and severity:
- In asymptomatic individuals without heart disease, no treatment may be required.
- In patients with structural heart disease, treatment may involve:
- Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.
- Antiarrhythmic medications in selected cases.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) for high-risk cases.
- Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding stimulants, managing electrolytes, treating underlying conditions.
Conclusion
While NSVT can be a benign finding, it may also indicate a more serious cardiac condition. Proper evaluation and management based on individual risk factors are essential to prevent complications like sudden cardiac death.
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
2. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
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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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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.