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 Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Introduction
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is a condition where the heart beats abnormally fast due to improper electrical signals in the upper chambers (atria). Normally, the heart beats at a rate of 60-100 beats per minute (bpm), but in SVT, it can reach 150-250 bpm.
Symptoms of SVT
SVT episodes can vary in duration and severity. Common symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Anxiety
- Fainting (in severe cases)
Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of SVT can be diverse and may include:
- Congenital electrical pathway abnormalities (e.g., Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome)
- Excess caffeine or alcohol consumption
- Stress and anxiety
- Certain medications
- Hyperthyroidism
- Structural heart disease
Diagnosing SVT
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Identifies abnormal heart rhythms.
- Holter Monitor – A portable device worn for 24-48 hours to detect intermittent SVT episodes.
- Electrophysiological Study (EPS) – A specialized test to map the heart's electrical pathways.
- Echocardiogram – Checks for structural heart abnormalities.
Treatment Options
Immediate Treatments (for stopping an ongoing episode)
- Vagal maneuvers (like bearing down or coughing hard)
- Carotid sinus massage (performed by a doctor)
- Cold water splash on the face
- Medications (e.g., adenosine, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers)
- Electrical cardioversion (in emergency cases)
Long-term Management
- Medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs)
- Ablation Therapy – A catheter-based procedure that destroys abnormal pathways.
- Lifestyle Changes – Reducing caffeine, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical help if:
- Episodes last longer than 30 minutes.
- Symptoms occur frequently or interfere with daily life.
- You experience dizziness or fainting.
Prognosis
With proper treatment, SVT is manageable, and most people can lead a normal life. In some cases, ablation may provide a permanent cure.
Conclusion
SVT is a common heart rhythm disorder, but with proper understanding and treatment, serious complications can often be avoided. If you experience frequent episodes or troubling symptoms, consult a cardiologist for appropriate evaluation.
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://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14563598/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Supraventricular Tachycardias
- 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.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
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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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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.