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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.
Understanding Symptomatic Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Introduction
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rhythm originating above the ventricles, usually in the atria or AV node. It leads to a heartbeat faster than 100 beats per minute, often between 150-250 beats per minute.
Symptoms of SVT
Common Symptoms:
- Palpitations (rapid heartbeats, fluttering sensation)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Anxiety
Severe Symptoms (Require Immediate Medical Attention):
- Extreme dizziness or fainting
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
Causes and Triggers of SVT
SVT can be triggered by several factors, including: - Stress and anxiety - Caffeine or alcohol consumption - Smoking - Heart disease or previous heart surgery - Electrolyte imbalances - Hyperthyroidism
Diagnosis of SVT
To confirm SVT, your doctor may use: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) : Captures abnormal heart rhythms. - Holter Monitor or Event Monitor : Continuous monitoring over 24-48 hours. - Electrophysiological Study (EPS) : A test to locate electrical issues in the heart.
Treatment of SVT
Immediate Management:
- Vagal Maneuvers : Holding breath & bearing down, cold water splash, or carotid massage may help.
- Medications : Adenosine or beta-blockers can slow the heart rate.
- Cardioversion : If unstable, electrical shock may restore normal rhythm.
Long-Term Management:
- Lifestyle Changes : Avoid caffeine, stress management, quit smoking.
- Medications : Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.
- Catheter Ablation : A procedure to eliminate the defective electrical pathway.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience frequent episodes, fainting, or severe symptoms, consult a cardiologist for appropriate diagnosis and personalized treatment!
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14557344/
- 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/14563598/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 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.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/14557344/
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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!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.