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.
What is SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia)?
Introduction
SVT, or Supraventricular Tachycardia, is a type of fast heart rhythm (tachycardia) that originates above the ventricles in the atria or the AV node. It is caused by abnormal electrical signals in the heart and can lead to episodes of rapid heartbeat.
Symptoms of SVT
- Palpitations (a feeling of rapid or irregular heartbeat)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Fatigue
Causes of SVT
SVT can be triggered by: - Stress and anxiety - Caffeine, alcohol, or drug use - Electrolyte imbalances - Heart disease or previous heart surgery - Congenital heart defects
Types of SVT
- Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT) – Most common type, caused by an extra electrical pathway in the AV node.
- Atrioventricular Reciprocating Tachycardia (AVRT) – Seen in conditions like Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.
- Atrial Tachycardia – Origination from a single site in the atria.
Diagnosis
To diagnose SVT, your doctor may recommend: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Holter monitor (24-hour ECG monitoring) - Echocardiogram - Electrophysiological study (EPS) for detailed electrical mapping
Treatment Options
Acute Treatment (Stopping an SVT Episode)
- Vagal maneuvers (such as bearing down or splashing cold water on the face)
- Medications (such as adenosine or beta-blockers)
- Cardioversion (electrical shock in emergency cases)
Long-term Management
- Lifestyle changes (reducing caffeine, managing stress, avoiding triggers)
- Medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers)
- Catheter ablation (a procedure to destroy the abnormal electrical pathway)
Conclusion
SVT is a common but manageable heart condition. If you experience recurring rapid heartbeats, it is important to consult a cardiologist to determine the best treatment strategy.
Source recommendations
1. 2023 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(23)02246-4/fulltext
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article-abstract/43/40/3997/6675633
2. 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/
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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.