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 condition where the heart beats much faster than normal due to abnormal electrical activity. It typically originates above the ventricles in the atria or AV node. While SVT is not always life-threatening, it can cause severe symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, chest discomfort, and even syncope (fainting).
Treatment Approaches
SVT treatment depends on the frequency, severity of symptoms, and underlying causes. The major approaches include:
1. Acute Management (Stopping an Episode)
- Vagal Maneuvers: Techniques like the Valsalva maneuver (bearing down), carotid sinus massage, or immersing the face in cold water can sometimes stop SVT episodes.
- Medications: If vagal maneuvers fail, doctors may use adenosine, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers to slow the heart rate.
- Cardioversion: In severe cases with hemodynamic instability, synchronized electrical cardioversion may be required to restore normal rhythm.
2. Long-Term Management (Preventing Recurrent Episodes)
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing caffeine, nicotine, and stress can help manage SVT episodes.
- Medications: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmic drugs may be prescribed for recurrent SVT.
- Catheter Ablation: This is an effective, minimally invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted into the heart to destroy the abnormal electrical pathway causing SVT.
3. Emergency Situations
- If an episode leads to symptoms like severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, emergency medical care is needed immediately.
Conclusion
SVT is manageable with prompt intervention and appropriate long-term strategies. Patients with frequent episodes should consult a cardiologist to discuss catheter ablation or medication options. Understanding triggers and keeping track of symptoms can also help improve quality of life.
Source recommendations
1. 2023 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Supraventricular Tachycardia
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
2. ACC/AHA/HRS 2015 Guideline for the Management of Adult Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/s1547-5271(15)01189-3/fulltext
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/2015-accahahrs-guideline-management-adult-patients-supraventricular-tachycardia
- 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://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/028ddd505f514ea2b3a4e74bb72e3557.ashx
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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.