supraventricular tachycardia

Supra Ventricular Tachycardia

Supra ventricular tachycardia (SVT) means that from time to time your heart beats very fast for a reason other than exercise, high fever, or stress. (webmed, 2015)

Types of SVT

·         Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT).

·         Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Causes

1. Most episodes of SVT are caused by faulty electrical connections in the heart
2. SVT also can be caused by certain medicines. Examples include very high levels of the heart medicine digoxin or the lung medicine theophylline.
3. Some types of SVT may run in families, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Other types of SVT may be caused by certain health problems, medicines, or surgery.

Signs and symptoms

1. Palpitations,

2. A pounding pulse.

3. A dizzy feeling or may feel lightheaded.

4. Syncope.

5. shortness of breath.

 6. chest pain, throat tightness.

 7. sweating.

Investigations

• Electrocardiograph (ECG) - which measures the electrical impulses in the heart. If an electrocardiogram is done while the fast heart rate is occurring, it often provides the most useful information.
• Ambulatory electrocardiogram.
• Electrophysiology study
• Blood tests to check thyroid function and electrolyte levels.
• Chest X-ray and/or pulmonary function tests to check for lung disease.
• Echocardiogram

Treatment

• Vagal maneuvers—such as gagging, holding your breath and bearing down (Valsalva maneuver), immersing your face in ice-cold water (diving reflex), or coughing.

• Beta-blockers.

•  calcium-channel blockers.

•  Anti-arrhythmic medications such as flecainide, propafenone, sotalol, or dofetilide.

REFERENCES

• C.P.Davis. (2014, 05 11). Supraventricular Tachycardia. Retrieved 05 08, 2015, from www.emedicinehealth.com: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/supraventricular_tachycardia/page7_em.htm

• Kenny, T. (2013, 12 10). Supraventricular Tachycardia. Retrieved 05 08, 2015, from www.patient.co.uk: http://www.patient.co.uk/health/supraventricular-tachycardia

• NHSC. (2013, 06 27). Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) - Treatment . Retrieved 05 08, 2015, from NHS Choices: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Supraventricular-tachycardia/Pages/Treatment.aspx

• webmed. (2015). Heart Disease Health Center. Retrieved May 08, 2015, from www.webmd.com: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/supraventricular-tachycardia-overview