Does your heart suddenly start beating faster? Let's learn about Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)!

Have you ever felt your heart suddenly start beating faster inside your chest? Like you're running, or you're scared of something. Experiences like this can be a bit scary sometimes, right? If so, you may be experiencing a condition called Supraventricular Tachycardia, or SVT for short. Let's take a look at what it is, why it happens, and what you can do about it.

What is Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)?

Simply put, SVT is a sudden increase in heart rate, starting in the upper chambers of your heart. Imagine, even when you're just sitting still, your heart beats more than 100 times per minute. Normally, when we're at rest, our heart beats between 60 and 100 times per minute. So, in SVT, this rate increases much more than that.

What happens when the heart suddenly starts beating so fast? The chambers of the heart don't even have time to fill with blood, before they can contract. This makes it difficult for the heart to pump enough blood to the body . This condition can last for a few seconds, or sometimes for hours.

Think of it like a small `short circuit` in your home's electrical system. The heart starts beating faster because of some problem in the electrical signals in the heart.

Are there different types of SVT?

Yes, there are different types of SVT. Your doctor will probably tell you if it's like this. Although these may sound like complicated words, your doctor will be able to identify the specific type you have and give you the right treatment.

• (Premature atrial contractions - PACs)
• (Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia - PSVT) (This is the most common type)
• (Accessory pathway tachycardias) - An example of this is (Wolff-Parkinson-White - WPW syndrome) .
• (AV (atrioventricular) nodal reentrant tachycardia - AVNRT) (This is also very common)
• (Atrial tachycardia)
• (Atrial fibrillation)
• (Atrial flutter)

All of these are rapid heartbeat patterns that start in the upper parts of the heart, but the electrical pathways and mechanisms that cause them are slightly different.

What does it feel like when you have SVT?

Some people may not experience any symptoms when they have SVT. However, even in these people, the heart beats more than 100 times per minute when they are at rest. However, many people experience some symptoms. You may experience things like:

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Feeling very tired and exhausted .
• Feeling lightheaded, as if your head is spinning .
• Sweating .
• Dizziness .
• Sometimes you may even lose consciousness .
• Palpitations (feeling like your heart is beating fast and your chest is pounding ).
• Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea) .

These symptoms can be very mild for some people, and severe for others. If you experience something like this, remembering details like what it feels like and how long it has been going on can help a doctor make a proper diagnosis.

Why does this SVT occur? What are the causes?

As mentioned earlier, the main cause of SVT is a malfunction in the heart's electrical signaling system or related circuits. Some people may not be able to figure out what triggers it. But for others, SVT is triggered by certain "triggers." That is, certain things can cause this heart rate to increase.

See if these things affect you too:

• Stress : When work increases, an exam is approaching, or a family problem arises.
• Caffeine : Caffeine found in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks.
• Alcohol-containing beverages .
• Cigarette smoke .
• Vigorous physical activity : Excessive exercise done all at once.
• A shortage of sleep : Working while sleeping.
• Dehydration : Not drinking enough water.

Who is at higher risk of developing SVT?

SVT can affect both children and adults. However, some people are more likely to develop it. That means there are risk factors.

• Being a woman : Women are more likely to develop SVT than men.
• Having anxiety .
• Drinking more alcohol than recommended.
• Use of tobacco products .
• Drinking more caffeine-containing beverages than recommended.
• Engaging in intense physical training (e.g. athletes).
• Having other health problems such as lung disease, heart disease, thyroid disease, or diabetes .
• Being pregnant .

Can SVT cause dangerous conditions?

Most of the time, SVT is not life-threatening. However, for some people, especially those with other heart conditions, SVT can cause complications if it becomes severe.

• (Heart failure )
• Unconsciousness
• (Cardiac arrest )

But remember, these serious conditions are rare. SVT is usually not that dangerous, especially for someone with a healthy heart. But if you have symptoms, it's best to see a doctor.

How does a doctor diagnose SVT?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will first ask you about your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. Then he or she will do a physical examination.

Most likely, your doctor will order an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) test. This records the electrical activity of your heart. Sometimes, if you can't get an ECG right away when you have an episode of SVT, your doctor may give you a small device called a heart monitor that you wear on your chest for a day or two, or even longer. This will continuously record your heartbeat and detect any SVT that occurs.

What are the treatments for SVT?

Sometimes you may not need any treatment for SVT. Some people feel better by getting plenty of rest, cutting down on things like coffee and alcohol, and quitting smoking. But if that doesn't work, there are many other treatments.

Things you can do at home

Once you have an SVT, you can try some simple things like:

• Be tall .
• Place a cold towel soaked in ice water on your face .
• Cough .

These are called vagal maneuvers , and they can sometimes help restore normal heart rate.

Types of medicines prescribed by the doctor

Your doctor may prescribe various medications to control your heart rate:

• (Adenosine) (This is a medicine that is injected into a vein in an emergency)
• (Atropine)
• (Beta-blockers)
• (Calcium channel blockers)
• (Digitalis - digoxin)
• (Potassium channel blockers)

If your doctor prescribes medication for you, it is very important to take it exactly as prescribed and at the times prescribed. Also, don't forget to go back to see your doctor on the scheduled dates.

Specialized medical methods and strategies

Sometimes, in addition to or before medication, your doctor may suggest treatments like these:

• (Vagal maneuvers) : This can be done by a doctor. An example is applying pressure to certain areas of the neck (Carotid sinus massage) . This is not a good idea to do yourself.
• Cardioversion : In this, a small electrical shock is given to the heart to restore normal heart rhythm. This is done under anesthesia.
• Catheter ablation : This is the most effective treatment for SVT. In this procedure, a small catheter (thin tube) is inserted into the heart and the abnormal electrical pathways or cells in the heart that are causing the SVT are destroyed. This can lead to a complete cure rate of more than 95%, depending on the type of SVT. Sometimes doctors recommend this treatment before giving medication.
• (Implantable cardioverter defibrillator - ICD) : This is a very rare procedure. This is a small device that is implanted under the skin. If the heart rate changes dangerously, this device automatically delivers an electric shock to restore the heart rate.

Are there any side effects of the treatment?

Any medication can cause side effects, which your doctor will explain to you.

The risk of serious complications from catheter ablation is very low. However, in rare cases, the following may occur:

• Bleeding.
• (Heart attack) (heart attack).
• (Heart block) (a blockage in the transmission of electrical signals in the heart).
• (Stroke) (Paralysis).

The doctor will also talk to you about these risks.

How quickly will I feel better after treatment?

Simple at-home treatments and vagal maneuvers can help you feel better almost immediately , if successful. Medications and other medical treatments are more reliable, but they take a while to work. It's worth trying home remedies when you're having an episode of SVT. But in the long term, you may need medication or other medical treatments.

What can you do to reduce the risk of SVT and take care of yourself?

If you can change the causes of SVT, you can do the following:

• Try to manage your stress . Things like meditation, yoga, and hobbies can help.
• Reduce or completely stop drinking alcohol .
• Stop using tobacco products .
• Reduce your intake of coffee and other beverages containing caffeine .
• Get enough rest and sleep .
• Drink plenty of water .

Also, it is very important to take exactly the medications your doctor prescribes for you.

Is it possible to live a normal life with SVT?

Yes, you can! Most people with SVT can lead normal, active lives. Infrequent episodes of SVT can be controlled with medication. After successful treatments like catheter ablation , you can do many of the normal things you enjoy. Remember, ablation can also completely cure some types of SVT.

It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when you find out you have SVT. However, receiving a diagnosis means you're on the road to a solution.

What time should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if you have symptoms of (SVT), such as:

• Chest pain.
• Severe fatigue.
• Feeling that the heart is beating fast.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Dizziness.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Palpitations.
• Difficulty breathing.

When do you need to go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

If you have these severe symptoms , call 911 or your local emergency number immediately :

• If you have severe chest pain .
• If it is very difficult to breathe .
• If you feel very faint .

What are the important questions to ask your doctor?

When you go to see the doctor, don't be afraid to ask questions that are on your mind. It's good to ask questions like these:

• How dangerous is the type of (SVT) I have?
• Is my condition serious enough to require treatment?
• Do I need medication or another medical procedure?
• What is the best treatment for this?
• What changes do I need to make in my lifestyle?

The most important things to remember in this article

It's normal to feel anxious when you feel like something is wrong with your heart. But once you've been diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), you can find a solution.

(SVT) is a common condition, and in most cases it is not life-threatening.

There are various treatments for this, and some treatments can even lead to a complete recovery.

Making simple lifestyle changes can also help control symptoms.

Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. There may be simple things you can do to help manage your symptoms. Take your medication exactly as prescribed, and remember to keep your appointments. I wish you a speedy recovery!

` SVT, Supraventricular Tachycardia, Heartbeat, Rapid Heartbeat, Chest Beat, Heart Disease, EKG, Catheter Ablation