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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.
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
Introduction
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) is a condition where the heart suddenly beats much faster than normal due to abnormal electrical activity above the ventricles. It's usually not life-threatening, but it can cause uncomfortable symptoms and may require treatment.
Causes
PSVT occurs due to abnormal circuits in the heart's electrical system, often in the atria or atrioventricular (AV) node. The most common mechanisms include: - Atrioventricular Reentrant Tachycardia (AVRT) – abnormal electrical connection between atria and ventricles. - Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT) – reentry circuit within the AV node. - Automatic Atrial Tachycardia – abnormal impulse generation in the atria.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of PSVT include: - Rapid heartbeat (palpitations) - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Shortness of breath - Chest discomfort (not the same as angina) - Anxiety or a feeling of unease
Diagnosis
PSVT is diagnosed using: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) to capture an episode - Holter monitoring for longer recordings - Electrophysiological study (EPS) for detailed mapping of cardiac conduction
Treatments
Acute Management
- Vagal maneuvers (e.g., Valsalva maneuver, carotid sinus massage)
- Adenosine injection to interrupt abnormal conduction
- Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers
- Cardioversion (in severe cases)
Long-term Management
- Medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmics)
- Catheter ablation (a procedure to destroy abnormal circuits, often curative)
- Lifestyle adjustments (avoiding triggers like caffeine, alcohol, stress)
Summary
PSVT is a manageable condition with good prognosis. Proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, from simple vagal maneuvers to catheter ablation, can help patients lead a normal life without recurrent episodes.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14557344/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/028ddd505f514ea2b3a4e74bb72e3557.ashx
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14563598/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Supraventricular Tachycardias
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14557344/
- 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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