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.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Introduction
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is a condition where the heart suddenly beats much faster than normal due to abnormal electrical activity in the upper chambers (atria). It can start and stop suddenly and often causes symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Causes of SVT
The most common causes include:
- Reentry circuits – abnormal electrical pathways within the heart
- Triggers – caffeine, alcohol, stress, or certain medications
- Underlying heart conditions – congenital defects, mitral valve prolapse
Symptoms
Symptoms vary but may include:
- Rapid heart rate (over 100 beats per minute)
- Palpitations (the sensation of a racing heart)
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – records heart rhythm
- Holter monitor – records heart activity over 24-48 hours
- Electrophysiology study – identifies abnormal electrical circuits
Treatment Options
Acute Management
- Valsalva maneuver – Bearing down or applying pressure to slow the heart rate
- Carotid sinus massage – Gentle pressure on the neck (by a doctor)
- Medication – Adenosine or beta-blockers
- Cardioversion – Electric shock to restore normal rhythm in emergency cases
Long-Term Treatment
- Medications – Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmic drugs
- Catheter Ablation – A procedure to destroy abnormal electrical pathways in the heart
- Lifestyle Changes – Reduced caffeine and alcohol intake, stress management
Conclusion
SVT can be distressing, but with proper diagnosis and management, most people live normal and healthy lives. If you experience recurrent episodes, consult a cardiologist for personalized treatment.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Supraventricular Tachycardia
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/028ddd505f514ea2b3a4e74bb72e3557.ashx
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26399662/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Supraventricular Tachycardia
- 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.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- 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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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.