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): Causes and Risk Factors
Introduction
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rhythm originating above the ventricles, typically in the atria or the atrioventricular (AV) node. It can lead to palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or in some cases, chest discomfort. Understanding the causes of SVT is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.
Causes of SVT
SVT occurs due to abnormal electrical signals in the heart. The primary causes include:
1. Electrophysiological Abnormalities
- Reentry Circuits: This is the most common mechanism of SVT, where electrical impulses travel in a loop, continuously activating the heart. Examples include:
- Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT): A reentry circuit in or around the AV node.
- Atrioventricular Reciprocating Tachycardia (AVRT): Due to an extra pathway between the atria and ventricles, such as in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.
- Focal Automaticity: Certain areas of the heart can become abnormally active and fire electrical impulses on their own, leading to SVT.
- Triggered Activity: Abnormal ion channel activity can lead to repetitive electrical activity in atrial tissue.
2. Structural Heart Diseases
- Congenital heart defects (e.g., WPW syndrome)
- Scarring from previous heart surgery
- Enlargement of the atria (often from conditions like hypertension or cardiomyopathy)
3. Physiological and External Triggers
- Increased Sympathetic Activity: Stress, anxiety, or excessive stimulant intake (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol) can trigger SVT.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Low potassium (hypokalemia) or magnesium (hypomagnesemia) can disrupt heart rhythms.
- Thyroid Disorders: Hyperthyroidism increases heart rate and can facilitate SVT.
- Infections, Fever, or Sepsis: Can cause increased heart rate and predispose to arrhythmias.
4. Medications or Substances
- Certain drugs, such as decongestants, beta-agonists (used in asthma or COPD), and stimulants, can increase heart rate.
- Illegal drugs like cocaine or amphetamines.
5. Genetic Factors
- Some types of SVT, like WPW syndrome or familial atrial fibrillation, have a genetic component.
Conclusion
SVT is a common arrhythmia with diverse causes. Recognizing the potential triggers and underlying conditions helps in effective prevention and treatment. If you experience recurrent episodes, seek medical attention for appropriate diagnostics and management.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Supraventricular Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/guideline-for-the-management-of-adult-patients-with-supraventricular-tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26399662/
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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