Overview
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is as an irregularly fast or erratic heartbeat (arrhythmia) that affects the heart's upper chambers. SVTis also called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The typical heart beats about 60 to 100 times a minute. A heart rate of more than 100 beats a minute is called a tachycardia (tak-ih-KAHR-dee-uh). During a
Symptoms
The main symptom of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a very fast heartbeat (100 beats a minute or more) that may last for a few minutes to a few days. The fast heartbeat may come and go suddenly, with stretches of typical heart rates in between. Some people with SVThave no signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia m
Causes
For some people, a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) episode is related to an obvious cause (trigger), such as exercise, stress or lack of sleep. Some people may not have a noticeable trigger. Things that may cause an SVTepisode include: 1. Heart disease 2. Heart failure 3. Other heart conditions, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome 4. Chronic
Risk Factors
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common type of arrhythmia in infants and children. It also tends to occur more often in women, particularly during pregnancy, though it may occur in anyone. Other things that may increase the risk of supraventricular tachycardia are: 1. Age. Some types of SVTare more common in people who are middle-age
Complications
Over time, untreated and frequent episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) may weaken the heart and lead to heart failure, particularly if there are other medical conditions. In extreme cases, an episode of SVTmay cause unconsciousness or cardiac arrest.
See full list on mayoclinic.org
Prevention
To prevent an episode of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), it's important to identify the triggers and try to avoid them. Consider keeping a diary to help identify your triggers. Track your heart rate, symptoms and activity at the time of an SVTepisode. Also, use medications with caution. Some drugs, including those bought without a prescription,