What Is Supraventricular Tachycardia? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Supraventricular tachycardia, often shortened to SVT, is a heart condition characterized by a rapid heart rate originating in the upper chambers of the heart. Are you experiencing a racing heart and seeking answers? WHAT.EDU.VN provides a platform for you to ask questions and receive reliable information, guiding you toward better understanding and management of your health, offering insights into heart rhythm abnormalities and cardiac electrophysiology. Explore causes of palpitations and learn about cardiac health.

1. Understanding Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a type of heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat too fast. This rapid heart rate can range from 150 to 220 beats per minute or even higher, significantly exceeding the normal resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. SVT episodes can last from a few minutes to several hours.

Alt: Illustration of a typical heartbeat, highlighting the electrical signals traveling through the atria and ventricles.

2. Types of Supraventricular Tachycardia

SVT is not a single condition but rather a group of arrhythmias that originate above the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). The main types of SVT include:

2.1. Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT): This is the most common type of SVT. It involves a re-entrant circuit near the AV node, causing the electrical signal to loop around and trigger rapid heartbeats.
2.2. Atrioventricular Reciprocating Tachycardia (AVRT): This type of SVT involves an extra electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles. The electrical signal travels down the AV node and back up the extra pathway, creating a re-entrant circuit. It’s often seen in younger people.
2.3. Atrial Tachycardia: This type of SVT originates from a specific location within the atria. This type of SVT is more commonly seen in people who have heart disease. Atrial tachycardia doesn’t involve the AV node.
2.4. Other Types: Other, less common types of SVT include sinus nodal reentrant tachycardia (SNRT), inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST), multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT), junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET), and nonparoxysmal junctional tachycardia (NPJT).

3. Common Supraventricular Tachycardia Symptoms

While some individuals with SVT may not experience any symptoms, others may have a range of noticeable effects. Common symptoms include:

3.1. Palpitations: A rapid, fluttering, or pounding sensation in the chest.
3.2. Rapid Heartbeat: A noticeably fast heart rate, often felt in the chest or neck.
3.3. Lightheadedness or Dizziness: A feeling of being faint or unsteady.
3.4. Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling like you can’t get enough air.
3.5. Chest Pain: Discomfort or pressure in the chest.
3.6. Weakness or Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy.
3.7. Sweating: Excessive perspiration, even when not physically active.
3.8. Anxiety: Feeling nervous, restless, or tense.
3.9. Fainting or Near-Fainting: Loss of consciousness or feeling like you are about to pass out.
3.10. Pounding Sensation in the Neck: A strong, throbbing pulse felt in the neck.

Symptoms can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly. The duration and frequency of SVT episodes can vary significantly from person to person.

4. What Causes Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)?

SVT is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the heart. To understand this, it’s helpful to know how a normal heartbeat works:

4.1. Normal Heartbeat: The heart’s electrical impulses originate in the sinus node, located in the right atrium. These signals travel through the atria to the atrioventricular (AV) node, which then sends the signals to the ventricles. This coordinated process causes the heart to contract and pump blood.
4.2. SVT Heartbeat: In SVT, the electrical signals in the heart misfire, leading to a rapid heart rate. This can be caused by:
- A re-entrant circuit: An abnormal electrical pathway that causes the signal to loop around, repeatedly stimulating the heart.
- Early signals: Signals that originate outside the sinus node and disrupt the normal rhythm.
- Extra electrical pathways: Additional pathways that allow electrical signals to bypass the AV node and trigger rapid heartbeats.

Alt: Illustration of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), showcasing the irregular and rapid electrical signaling in the heart’s upper chambers.

5. Risk Factors for Supraventricular Tachycardia

Several factors can increase the risk of developing SVT, including:

5.1. Age: SVT is more common in infants and children.
5.2. Gender: Women are more likely to develop SVT than men, particularly during pregnancy.
5.3. Heart Conditions: Existing heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, heart failure, or congenital heart defects, can increase the risk of SVT.
5.4. Other Medical Conditions: Conditions like thyroid disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea can also contribute to SVT.
5.5. Lifestyle Factors: Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, smoking, emotional stress, and the use of stimulant drugs can trigger SVT episodes.
5.6. Certain Medications: Some medications, including those used to treat asthma, allergies, and colds, may increase the risk of SVT.

6. When to Seek Medical Attention

While SVT is not usually life-threatening, it’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience a rapid heartbeat, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

6.1. Call a doctor if:
- You experience a very fast heartbeat for the first time.
- An irregular heartbeat lasts longer than a few seconds.
6.2. Call 911 or your local emergency number if:
- You have a very fast heartbeat that lasts for more than a few minutes.
- A fast heartbeat occurs with chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or weakness.

7. Diagnosing Supraventricular Tachycardia

Diagnosing SVT typically involves a physical exam, a review of your medical history, and various tests to monitor your heart’s electrical activity. These tests may include:

7.1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart using electrodes attached to your chest, arms, and legs. It can help identify abnormal heart rhythms.
7.2. Holter Monitor: A portable ECG device that you wear for 24-48 hours to continuously monitor your heart’s electrical activity.
7.3. Event Recorder: A portable ECG device that you wear for several weeks. You activate it when you experience symptoms.
7.4. Electrophysiological Study (EPS): An invasive procedure where thin, flexible tubes (catheters) are inserted into blood vessels and guided to your heart. Electrodes at the tips of the catheters map the electrical activity of your heart and can help identify the source of the arrhythmia.

8. Treatment Options for Supraventricular Tachycardia

Treatment for SVT depends on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, as well as the underlying cause of the arrhythmia. Treatment options may include:

8.1. Vagal Maneuvers: These are simple actions that can help slow down your heart rate during an SVT episode. Examples include:
- Holding your breath and straining as if you’re having a bowel movement (Valsalva maneuver).
- Coughing.
- Applying an ice pack to your face.
8.2. Medications: Several medications can help control your heart rate and prevent SVT episodes. These include:
- Beta-blockers: Slow down the heart rate.
- Calcium channel blockers: Relax blood vessels and slow down the heart rate.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs: Help restore a normal heart rhythm.
8.3. Cardioversion: A procedure that uses electrical shocks to reset your heart rhythm. It’s typically used in emergency situations or when medications are not effective.
8.4. Catheter Ablation: A procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to destroy the abnormal electrical pathways in your heart that are causing the SVT. It is often curative.
8.5. Pacemaker: In rare cases, a pacemaker may be implanted to regulate your heart rhythm.

9. Living with Supraventricular Tachycardia

Living with SVT can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to manage your condition and improve your quality of life:

9.1. Follow your doctor’s recommendations: Take your medications as prescribed and attend all scheduled appointments.
9.2. Identify and avoid triggers: Keep a diary to track your symptoms and identify potential triggers, such as caffeine, alcohol, or stress.
9.3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress.
9.4. Learn vagal maneuvers: Practice vagal maneuvers so you can use them to slow down your heart rate during an SVT episode.
9.5. Join a support group: Connecting with others who have SVT can provide emotional support and valuable insights.

10. Preventing Supraventricular Tachycardia

While it may not be possible to prevent SVT entirely, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing the condition or triggering episodes:

10.1. Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a nutritious diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Get regular exercise.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage stress.
10.2. Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
10.3. Don’t smoke.
10.4. Manage underlying medical conditions:
- Work with your doctor to control conditions like thyroid disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea.
10.5. Use medications carefully:
- Talk to your doctor before taking any new medications, including over-the-counter drugs.

11. Supraventricular Tachycardia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
11.1. Is SVT life-threatening?	SVT is usually not life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and, in rare cases, can lead to more serious complications.
11.2. Can SVT be cured?	Catheter ablation can often cure SVT by destroying the abnormal electrical pathways that cause the arrhythmia.
11.3. What are the long-term effects of SVT?	Untreated and frequent attacks of SVT may weaken the heart and lead to heart failure, especially in people who also have other medical conditions.
11.4. Can I exercise with SVT?	Most people with SVT can exercise, but it’s important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you determine what types of exercise are safe for you and whether you need to take any precautions.
11.5. Can stress cause SVT?	Stress can be a trigger for SVT episodes in some people. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, may help reduce the frequency of SVT episodes.
11.6. Is SVT hereditary?	Some types of SVT can be hereditary, but most cases are not.
11.7. Can SVT cause a stroke?	SVT itself does not usually cause a stroke, but in rare cases, it can lead to blood clot formation, which can increase the risk of stroke.
11.8. Can SVT affect my blood pressure?	SVT can sometimes cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, which can lead to lightheadedness or dizziness.
11.9. What is the difference between SVT and atrial fibrillation?	Both SVT and atrial fibrillation are types of supraventricular arrhythmias, but they have different mechanisms and characteristics. SVT is typically a regular, fast heart rhythm, while atrial fibrillation is an irregular, chaotic heart rhythm.
11.10. Where can I find more information and support for SVT?	You can find more information and support for SVT from your doctor, reputable medical websites, and support groups. You can also ask any questions you have on WHAT.EDU.VN and get answers from experts and other people dealing with SVT.

12. Navigating SVT: Embrace Accessible Answers on WHAT.EDU.VN

Understanding and managing Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) can feel overwhelming, with many questions arising about symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Accessing reliable information and support is crucial, but finding trustworthy answers quickly and affordably can be a challenge.

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