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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) and Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
Introduction
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) are both conditions characterized by abnormally fast heart rhythms. While both involve tachycardia—a heart rate above 100 beats per minute—there are important differences in their origin, symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Definition and Causes
SVT originates in the atria or the atrioventricular (AV) node. It is usually caused by abnormal electrical circuits in the atria or AV node and includes conditions like atrial tachycardia, AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), and atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT).
Symptoms
- Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Anxiety or a feeling of a racing heart
Diagnosis
SVT is typically diagnosed with: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Holter monitoring or event recording for intermittent episodes - Electrophysiological studies in some cases
Treatment
- Acute Management: Vagal maneuvers (such as the Valsalva maneuver), adenosine injection, or cardioversion if unstable.
- Chronic Management: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or catheter ablation for frequent episodes.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
Definition and Causes
VT originates in the ventricles and tends to be more serious than SVT because it may lead to ventricular fibrillation (VF) and cardiac arrest. It is often associated with heart disease, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiomyopathy, or electrolyte imbalances.
Symptoms
- Palpitations
- Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Loss of consciousness in severe cases
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to identify wide-complex tachycardia
- Holter monitoring or implantable loop recorder for frequent episodes
- Electrophysiological studies in certain cases
Treatment
- Acute Management: Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., amiodarone, lidocaine), electrical cardioversion, or defibrillation if unstable.
- Chronic Management: Beta-blockers, implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in high-risk patients, and catheter ablation in selected cases.
Key Differences Between SVT and VT
| Feature | SVT | VT |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Atria or AV node | Ventricles |
| ECG QRS Complex | Narrow (usually) | Wide (usually) |
| Severity | Often benign | Can be life-threatening |
| Treatment | Vagal maneuvers, drugs, ablation if needed | Antiarrhythmic drugs, ICD, ablation |
Conclusion
Both SVT and VT are forms of tachycardia, but VT is generally more concerning due to its potential to cause severe complications. Proper diagnosis and individualized treatment are crucial. Prompt medical evaluation is recommended for anyone experiencing recurrent or severe tachycardia.
Source recommendations
1. 2022 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Patients With Cardiac Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000499
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(22)01946-4/fulltext
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.10.044
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1547527122019464
2. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
3. 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29097320/
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/2017-ahaacchrs-guideline-management-patients-ventricular-arrhythmias-and-prevention-sudden-cardiac
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(17)31249-3/fulltext
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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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