Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)

Introduction

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) is a type of arrhythmia characterized by sudden episodes of rapid heart rate, originating above the ventricles. It is usually caused by abnormal electrical circuits in the heart and can lead to palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort.

ICD-10 Code for PSVT

In the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), PSVT is classified under I47.1 - Supraventricular tachycardia.

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Reentry circuits in the atrioventricular node or accessory pathways (e.g., Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome)
  • Excessive sympathetic stimulation (stress, caffeine, smoking)
  • Structural heart diseases (e.g., congenital heart defects)
  • Electrolyte imbalances

Symptoms

  • Sudden onset of rapid heartbeat (usually 150-250 bpm)
  • Palpitations (feeling of pounding heart)
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Mild chest discomfort or pain

Diagnosis

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Identifies characteristic PSVT patterns.
  • Holter monitoring: For detecting intermittent episodes.
  • Electrophysiological study (EPS): Helps determine the mechanism of tachycardia.

Treatment Options

1. Acute Episode Management

  • Vagal maneuvers (e.g., Valsalva maneuver, carotid massage)
  • Adenosine injection (rapid IV bolus to temporarily block the AV node)
  • Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers for rate control
  • Electrical cardioversion in severe cases with hemodynamic instability

2. Long-term Management

  • Medications: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmics.
  • Catheter Ablation: A procedure to destroy abnormal electrical pathways.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and stress.

Prognosis

PSVT is generally not life-threatening, but frequent episodes can impair quality of life. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help prevent complications such as heart failure or syncope.

Conclusion

If you experience recurrent episodes of fast heartbeats, dizziness, or chest discomfort, seek medical evaluation. Proper treatment can effectively manage PSVT and improve quality of life.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Supraventricular Tachycardia

  1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
  2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
  3. https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/028ddd505f514ea2b3a4e74bb72e3557.ashx
  4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
  5. https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/guideline-for-the-management-of-adult-patients-with-supraventricular-tachycardia

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Supraventricular Tachycardia

  1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
  2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
  4. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
  5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311

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