Supraventricular tachycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) causes the heart to suddenly beat much faster than normal.
It can affect people of any age, and often shows up for the first time in children or young adults.
The reassuring news is that SVT is usually not dangerous. An episode typically doesn't last very long, and in many cases it goes away on its own without needing treatment.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
If you're born with a small fault in your heart's natural wiring, it can create a short circuit. Under the right conditions, this lets the heart suddenly race very fast.
One example is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Here, there's an extra electrical connection between the atria (the heart's upper chambers) and the ventricles (the lower chambers). Because of this short circuit, some people with this condition go on to develop supraventricular tachycardia.
Causes of supraventricular tachycardia
If you're prone to this condition, an episode can often be brought on by:
- stress
- anxiety
- changing your posture
- certain medications
- alcohol
- caffeine
- smoking
- recreational drugs
Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects supraventricular tachycardia, they'll arrange some tests for you. These usually include an ECG, a heart monitor you wear for a while (an ambulatory monitor), and an echocardiogram.
Treatment
Treatment for supraventricular tachycardia is not the same for everyone. It depends on things like:
- the type of supraventricular tachycardia you have
- your symptoms
- treatment of any underlying cause
- your age
- your overall health
Types of treatment
Treatment for supraventricular tachycardia focuses on controlling the rate and rhythm of your heart. This can include:
- medicines, such as beta blockers and other anti-arrhythmic drugs
- electric shock treatment (DC cardioversion) if the situation is urgent
- radiofrequency ablation