Supraventricular tachycardia

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Supraventricular tachycardia
File:SVT Lead II-2.jpg
ECG showing supraventricular tachycardia
Synonyms SVT, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain
Complications Heart failure, syncope
Onset Sudden
Duration Minutes to hours
Types N/A
Causes Re-entry circuit, accessory pathway
Risks Caffeine, alcohol, stress, smoking
Diagnosis Electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor
Differential diagnosis Atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia
Prevention N/A
Treatment Vagal maneuvers, medications, catheter ablation
Medication Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, adenosine
Prognosis N/A
Frequency 2.25 per 1000 people per year
Deaths Rare


Overview of supraventricular tachycardia
Marked supraventricular tachycardia
File:SVT2012.jpg
Supraventricular tachycardia ECG
Atrial fibrillation
Heart conduction in sinus rhythm
Heart conduction in atrial fibrillation

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) represents a group of arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms, characterized by a heart rate exceeding the typical range and originating from cardiac tissue above the level of the ventricles. This means the abnormal rhythm arises either from the atria or the atrioventricular (AV) node.

Etiology and Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

SVT typically results from faulty electrical activity in the heart. While several factors may contribute to its development, SVT commonly stems from a reentrant pathway, where the electrical impulses circularly move through the heart's conduction system, or an ectopic pacemaker, where a site other than the sinus node initiates the electrical signal.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of SVT can vary, ranging from almost unnoticed to debilitating. Common symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and light-headedness. In extreme cases, it can lead to unconsciousness or cardiac arrest, though this is rare.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The primary tool for diagnosing SVT is an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity of the heart. In SVT, the ECG typically shows a rapid heart rate and narrow QRS complexes, but aberrant conduction or preexcitation may sometimes be present. Additional diagnostic tools can include Holter monitoring, exercise stress testing, and electrophysiological study.

Treatment and Management[edit | edit source]

The management of SVT aims at controlling the heart rate, preventing recurrences, and managing potential complications. Initial treatment options can include vagal maneuvers or medications that slow the heart rate such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. In cases where these approaches are ineffective or if the patient has recurrent episodes, catheter ablation may be considered. This procedure targets and destroys the abnormal electrical pathways causing SVT.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD