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.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) and Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Introduction
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) are both types of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). They involve rapid heartbeats, but they originate from different parts of the heart and have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What is Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)?
VT is a fast heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). This is a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening complications, such as ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest.
Causes of VT:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Previous heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Heart failure
- Cardiomyopathies (structural heart diseases)
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium or magnesium)
- Genetic heart conditions (e.g., Long QT syndrome)
Symptoms of VT:
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Cardiac arrest (in severe cases)
Treatment of VT:
- Acute treatment: Electrical cardioversion, antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., amiodarone, lidocaine)
- Long-term management: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), catheter ablation, beta-blockers
What is Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)?
SVT is a rapid heart rhythm that originates above the ventricles, in the atria or the atrioventricular (AV) node.
Causes of SVT:
- Abnormal electrical pathways in the heart (e.g., AV nodal reentrant tachycardia - AVNRT, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome)
- Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or stimulants
- Stress and anxiety
- Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of SVT:
- Sudden and rapid heartbeat (can reach 150-250 bpm)
- Palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
Treatment of SVT:
- Acute treatment: Vagal maneuvers (Valsalva maneuver, carotid sinus massage), adenosine injection
- Long-term management: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, catheter ablation
Key Differences Between VT and SVT:
| Feature | VT | SVT |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Ventricles | Atria or AV node |
| Severity | Often life-threatening | Usually not life-threatening |
| Typical Heart Rate | 120-250 bpm | 150-250 bpm |
| Acute Treatment | Cardioversion, antiarrhythmics | Vagal maneuvers, adenosine |
| Chronic Management | ICD, ablation, medications | Medications, ablation |
Conclusion:
VT is more dangerous because it affects the ventricles, which are responsible for pumping blood to the body. SVT, on the other hand, is usually not life-threatening but can cause distressing symptoms. Both require proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
2. American Heart Association Guidelines on the Management of 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/-/media/028ddd505f514ea2b3a4e74bb72e3557.ashx
- 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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