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) Treatment
Introduction
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rhythm arising from the atria or atrioventricular node. It can cause dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and in some cases, fainting. Understanding its treatment is essential for effective management and improving quality of life.
Acute Treatment
When an episode of SVT occurs, the goal is to slow the heart rate. Common acute management strategies include:
1. Vagal Maneuvers
- Techniques like the Valsalva maneuver (bearing down as if having a bowel movement) or carotid sinus massage may help slow the heart rate.
2. Medications
- Adenosine: Given intravenously to interrupt the abnormal electrical circuit and restore a normal rhythm.
- Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers: May be used if adenosine is ineffective.
3. Electrical Cardioversion
- If the patient is unstable (e.g., experiencing severe hypotension or chest pain), synchronized cardioversion (electric shock to the heart) may be needed.
Long-term Management
For frequent episodes or patients at high risk, preventive strategies include:
1. Medications
- Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol) or calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil) to prevent recurrences.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., flecainide, amiodarone) in difficult cases.
2. Catheter Ablation
- A minimally invasive procedure where heat (radiofrequency) or cold (cryoablation) is used to destroy abnormal electrical pathways causing SVT.
- Considered the most effective long-term treatment for recurrent SVT.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and stimulants that may trigger episodes.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
- Stay well-hydrated to prevent dehydration-related triggers.
Conclusion
SVT is generally not life-threatening but can significantly impact daily life. Treatment includes immediate measures to stop an episode and long-term strategies to prevent recurrence. For recurrent or severe cases, catheter ablation is often recommended. Always consult a cardiologist for personalized management.
Source recommendations
1. 2023 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
2. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society Guidelines for the Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26399662/
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/s1547-5271(15)01189-3/fulltext
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26409259/
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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.