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Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

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  3. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Overview of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular Tachycardia Meaning in Urdu

اس بیماری کی وجہ سے دل کی دھڑکن اچانک تیز ہو جاتی ہے۔ یہ بیماری خطرناک تو نہیں ہوتی، تاہم کچھ لوگوں کو اس کے علاج کی ضرورت ہو سکتی ہے تا کہ مزید طبی علامات سے بچا جا سکے۔ عام طور پر دل ایک منٹ میں ساٹھ سے سو مرتبہ دھڑکتا ہے لیکن اس بیماری کی وجہ سے ایک سو پچاس سے لے کر دو سو بیس مرتبہ دھڑک سکتا ہے۔ کچھ لوگوں میں اس بیماری کی کوئی بھی علامت ظاہر نہیں ہوتی، جب کہ کئی افراد کو اس کی وجہ سے سینے میں درد، سانس لینے میں مشکل، اور پسینے کا سامنا کرنا پڑ سکتا ہے۔

Overview

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a type of heart rhythm disorder characterized by a rapid heart rate originating from the heart’s upper chambers, also known as the atria. The normal heart rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but during an episode of SVT, the heart can beat much faster, often at 150-250 beats per minute.

Prevalence of Supraventricular Tachycardia:

There are limited epidemiological studies on Supraventricular Tachycardia prevalence, but studies suggest SVT prevalence in 2.25 per 1000 people globally.

Signs and Symptoms of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular tachycardia symptoms include:

  • Rapid heartbeat: This is the most common symptom of SVT. The heart rate can be more than 100 beats per minute and can last for a few seconds to several hours.
  • Palpitations: Palpitations are sensations of an irregular, rapid, or pounding heartbeat. Some people with SVT may feel like their heart is skipping beats.
  • Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath can occur during an episode of Supraventricular Tachycardia, as the heart may not be pumping enough blood to meet the body's needs.
  • Chest pain: Chest pain may occur during an episode of SVT. It is typically not severe and does not last long.
  • Dizziness/lightheadedness: Rapid heartbeats can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Fainting: In some cases, SVT can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting or near-fainting.

It is important to note that some people with SVT may not experience any symptoms or mild symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention, as SVT can be a serious condition if left untreated.

Types of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular tachycardia types include:

  • Atrial Fibrillation: This is the most common type of SVT, with a chaotic and irregular heart rhythm.
  • Atrial Flutter: This is a regular heart rhythm faster than normal and originates in the atria.
  • AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT): This type of SVT happens due to a reentry circuit in the AV node of the heart.
  • AV Reentrant Tachycardia (AVRT): This type of SVT happens due to an extra electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles of the heart.
  • Sinus Tachycardia: A rapid heart rate originating from the sinus node, the heart’s natural pacemaker. 
  • Junctional Tachycardia: A rapid heart rate originating from the junction between the atria and ventricles of the heart.

It’s essential to identify the type of SVT because treatment may differ depending on the specific type of arrhythmia

Causes of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular tachycardia causes include:

  • Abnormal Electrical Pathways: Some people are born with extra electrical pathways in their hearts, which can cause SVT.
  • Heart Damage: Heart damage, such as scarring from a heart attack, can disrupt the heart's electrical system and lead to SVT.
  • Certain Medications: Some medications, such as asthma inhalers, decongestants, and thyroid medications, can trigger SVT in some people.
  • Stimulants: Stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and illegal drugs like cocaine can also trigger SVT.
  • Anxiety or Stress: Emotional stress or anxiety can increase the heart rate and trigger SVT.
  • Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can also trigger SVT.
  • Other Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and atrial fibrillation, can increase the risk of developing SVT.

It's important to note that in many cases, the cause of SVT is unknown, and it can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. If you experience symptoms of SVT, such as rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath, it's essential to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

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Risk Factors of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Some potential Supraventricular tachycardia risk factors include:

  • Age: SVT can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults.
  • Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to Supraventricular tachycardia. 
  • Heart disease: Certain heart conditions, such as heart valve disease or a history of heart attack, can increase the risk of SVT.
  • High blood pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can contribute to the development of SVT.
  • Lung disease: Lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can increase the risk of SVT.
  • Stress: Emotional stress and anxiety can trigger SVT in some people.
  • Stimulant use: Certain substances, such as caffeine, nicotine, and illegal drugs, can increase the risk of SVT.
  • Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease and diabetes, can contribute to the development of SVT.

It is important to note that not all individuals with these risk factors will develop Supraventricular Tachycardia, and not all cases of SVT are associated with these risk factors.

Supraventricular Tachycardia Complications

Although SVT is generally not life-threatening, it can cause complications in some cases. Here are some possible Supraventricular Tachycardia complications:

  • Heart failure: If SVT is left untreated or the heart rate is too high for too long, it can cause the heart to become overworked and lead to heart failure.
  • Chest pain: Some people with SVT experience chest pain or discomfort, which can be mistaken for a heart attack.
  • Fainting: In some cases, the rapid heartbeat caused by SVT can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting or loss of consciousness.
  • Stroke: SVT can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
  • Anxiety and depression: Living with SVT can cause anxiety and depression due to the uncertainty and unpredictability of when the episodes will occur.
  • Fatigue: The rapid heartbeat and irregular heart rhythm caused by SVT can lead to fatigue and weakness if the episodes occur frequently or last for a long time.
  • Atrial fibrillation: Prolonged SVT can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a more severe arrhythmia that can increase the risk of stroke and other complications.

Seek medical attention if you suspect you have SVT or have been diagnosed with it to manage potential complications.

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Prevention

While Supraventricular Tachycardia prevention may not be possible, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it or experiencing frequent episodes:

  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can trigger SVT episodes, so it's important to drink enough water and fluids throughout the day.
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can trigger SVT episodes in some people, so it's best to limit or avoid them if you're prone to this condition.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the heart and increase the risk of heart rhythm problems, including SVT. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk.
  • Manage Stress: Stress can trigger SVT episodes, so it's essential to find ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as exercise, meditation, or deep breathing techniques.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of SVT and other heart conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce your risk.
  • Treat underlying health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as thyroid problems or heart disease, can increase the risk of SVT. Treating these underlying conditions can help reduce the risk of SVT episodes.
  • Follow a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and enough sleep can help keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of SVT.

It's important to talk to your doctor if you're experiencing symptoms of SVT or have any concerns about your heart health. They can help diagnose and treat the condition and provide personalized recommendations for prevention or management.

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Diagnosis

Here are some steps for Supraventricular Tachycardia diagnosis:

  • Physical examination: Your doctor will perform a physical examination to check for signs of SVT like a rapid heart rate, an irregular heartbeat, and other signs of heart disease.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart. Your doctor may perform an ECG to detect any abnormalities in the heart rhythm.
  • Holter monitor: A Holter monitor is a portable device that records your heart's activity for 24 to 48 hours. This device can help diagnose SVT by recording any episodes of rapid heart rate occurring during this time.
  • Event monitor: An event monitor is a portable device that records your heart's activity over a long period, typically a few weeks. This device can help diagnose SVT by recording any episodes of rapid heart rate occurring during this time.
  • Electrophysiology study (EPS): An EPS is a more invasive test that involves inserting catheters through the veins into the heart to measure its electrical activity. This test can help diagnose the specific type of SVT and determine the best treatment approach.

If you are experiencing symptoms of SVT, such as a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, or dizziness, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Treatment of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) | When to Consult a Doctor

Here are some Supraventricular Tachycardia treatment methods:

  • Vagal Maneuvers: These techniques stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the heart rate. Examples include bearing down as if having a bowel movement, coughing forcefully, and immersing the face in cold water.
  • Medications: Various medications can help to slow down the heart rate or restore a normal rhythm. These include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiarrhythmic drugs.
  • Cardioversion: This is a procedure in which an electrical shock is delivered to the heart to reset the rhythm back to normal.
  • Ablation: This is a procedure that destroys the abnormal heart tissue that is causing SVT. It can be done through catheterization, where a thin tube is inserted through a vein and threaded into the heart, or through open-heart surgery.

Treatment choice depends on the individual's circumstances, such as the severity and frequency of the SVT episodes and underlying heart disease. It's essential to consult with a doctor or Cardiologist for a proper evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

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