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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) refers to a group of arrhythmias originating above the ventricles, typically in the atria or the AV node. It is characterized by a rapid heart rate, usually between 150-250 beats per minute (bpm).
Causes and Mechanisms
SVT occurs due to abnormal electrical activity in the heart, often involving:
- Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) – the most common type, caused by reentry circuits in the AV node.
- Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) – involves an accessory pathway (e.g., Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome).
- Atrial tachycardia – results from an ectopic focus in the atria firing at a high rate.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat).
- Dizziness, lightheadedness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest discomfort.
- Anxiety.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of SVT is based on:
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Identifies the type of SVT.
2. Holter Monitoring – Used when episodes are intermittent.
3. Electrophysiological Study (EPS) – Helps pinpoint reentry pathways.
Treatment Options
Acute Management
- Vagal maneuvers (e.g., Valsalva maneuver, carotid sinus massage).
- Adenosine – A first-line pharmacological intervention.
- Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers – If adenosine is ineffective.
- Cardioversion – If the patient is unstable.
Long-term Management
- Lifestyle changes – Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and stress.
- Medications – Beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs.
- Catheter ablation – A curative approach targeting arrhythmic pathways.
Conclusion
SVT is a common yet treatable arrhythmia affecting daily life. Early diagnosis and appropriate management improve patient outcomes. If you experience symptoms suggestive of SVT, consult a cardiologist promptly.
References
- American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on the Management of Supraventricular Arrhythmias
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14557344/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2015/09/23/09/13/2015-ACC-AHA-HRS-Guideline-for-the-Management-of-Adult-Patients-With-SVT
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/s1547-5271(15)01189-3/fulltext
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on the Management of Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- 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/14557344/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
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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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