What is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) refers to episodes when your heart suddenly gets a lot faster than normal. The rapid beating is caused by the rhythm starting in the top chambers of the heart, known as atria. Normally, your heart beats at a constant rhythm, but SVT occurs when abnormal electrical signals cause the heart to beat unusually fast. It may give the sensation of heart fluttering or heavy pounding. Although alarming, properly managed, a majority of people live well with it. Leading cardiologists like Dr. Chetan Rathi not only diagnose such rhythms, but they also explain to their patients what they really mean. Dr. Chetan Rathi methodically traces the underlying issue behind a sudden heartbeat so that every patient can be confident in their health and safety.

What are the Causes of SVT

Usually, the causes of SVT are traced to either the structure of the heart’s electrical pathways or our lifestyles.

  1. Stress and anxiety: Major worry elevates the “fight or flight” reaction, which raises the heart’s electrical activity. 
  2. Excess caffeine or alcohol: Stimulants like coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol can trigger abnormal heart rhythms. 
  3. Smoking and lifestyle triggers: Smoking and extreme fatigue can increase the risk of rapid heart rhythms.
  4. Thyroid problems: An overactive thyroid gland produces hormones that enter the bloodstream and tell the heart to beat faster. 
  5. Heart disease and congenital conditions: Some people are born with extra electrical pathways in the heart or may develop heart issues later on. 
  6. Medication-related causes: Certain cold medicines or asthma inhalers have stimulants that may trigger a rapid heartbeat.

What are the risk factors of SVT

Here are some common risk factors that may increase the chances of developing SVT:

  1. Aging (however, SVT may also affect the young).
  2. Presence of family members with heart rhythm problems.
  3. Experiencing high levels of stress regularly.
  4. Possession of heart problems or history of heart surgery.

How is SVT (supraventricular tachycardia) diagnosed?

Doctors will use a number of different tools to check how the electrical signals flow through your heart.

  1. Blood tests: These check if there is anything wrong with your thyroid or any abnormal chemical balance that could impact the heart. 
  2. Electrocardiogram: Also known as an ECG, this test documents your heart’s electrical signals by attaching sticky patches to your skin. 
  3. Holter monitor: A small, portable device that you wear for a day or two to record your heart rhythm while you live your daily life.
  4. Event recorder: This device is like a Holter, but you keep it for a few weeks, and you push a button only when you experience symptoms. 
  5. Echo Test: It is a heart ultrasound that uses high-frequency sound waves to form an image of the heart’s valves and chambers. 
  6. Electrophysiology study: Doctors insert thin tubes to map the heart’s electrical system and pinpoint the exact location of the problem.

What are complications/side effects of SVT treatment?

Here are some possible complications and side effects that may occur after SVT treatment:

  1. Brief bruising at the catheter insertion point.
  2. Mild fatigue from certain svt treatment medications. 
  3. A tiny possibility of a slow heart rate that might require further medical intervention.

What are the treatment of SVT

To treat the problem of supraventricular tachycardia treatment, you can follow these several options:

  1. Vagal maneuvers: Using physical techniques such as coughing or gagging to decrease heart rate.
  2. Medications: Taking pills daily to maintain regular rhythm.
  3. Catheter ablation: A minor surgery to “erase” the extra pathway causing the trouble. 
  4. Cardioversion: A short treatment in which the heart rhythm is restored by administering a very small electric shock.

SVT Prevention

SVT Prevention is essential in stabilizing your heartbeat. Besides that, be inclined to:

  1. Control stress levels via deliberate breathing or yoga.
  2. Alcohol consumption should be restricted.
  3. Tobacco should be completely avoided.
  4. Reduce consumption of coffee and other caffeinated beverages.
  5. Do not exhaust yourself. Your body needs adequate rest.

Transforming Heart Health: Dr. Chetan Rathi on Lifestyle and Diet Changes to Combat Cardiovascular Disease

Types of SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia)

Depending on which part of the heart is responsible for the "electrical short circuit," different SVT types exist.

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT)

This type occurs when electrical signals travel in a loop near the center of the heart. The heart races and then stops abruptly as a result of the loop.

Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT)

This type is caused by an extra electrical pathway that connects the top and bottom of the heart. This extra pathway allows signals to circulate rapidly in a fast, constant, circular pattern.

Atrial tachycardia

A small spot in the upper chambers of the heart starts to generate rapid signals on its own, thus creating a secondary pacemaker that takes control of the normal rhythm of the heart.

What are the Symptoms of SVT

SVT symptoms result in a variety of conditions, from barely noticeable fluttering to significant discomfort.

Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

Your heart could feel like it “missed a beat” or like it is racing after a long run. Such a sensation of fluttering in the chest is the main symptom.

Chest pain

A few individuals experience a squeezing or crushing sensation in their chest when the heart rate is high. It may occur because the heart is working harder than usual.

Dizziness or loss of consciousness

High heart rate may cause insufficient blood supply to the brain, which may result in lightheadedness or a pre-fainting feeling.

Shortness of breath

It might seem like you are out of breath, even while doing no physical activity. The sensation is similar to being out of breath after heavy physical exercise, but you have been completely stationary.

Fatigue and weakness

Experiencing extreme tiredness or lack of energy is a typical reaction to a racing heart episode. Your body feels exhausted as your heart has been working very hard.

Sweating

Transitioning into an SVT episode can cause you to suddenly sweat quite a lot. A rapid heartbeat can trigger the body’s stress response.

Visible or noticeable neck pulse

Neck pulse throbbing may even be visible to you during an episode. It is due to the fact that venous pressure increases when the heart suddenly beats out of rhythm.

Our Medical Services

ECG

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the only and speediest tests utilized to survey the heart. Anodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are set at certain spots on the chest, arms, and legs.

2D Echo

A two-dimensional Echocardiogram or 2D Echo test is a demonstrative test that employs ultrasound waves to evaluate the working of the heart.

Holter Monitoring

Holter monitoring measures your heart activity over an extended period, usually between 24 and 48 hours. Basically, a Holter Monitoring is a portable device which records the heart’s electrical signals.

BP Monitoring

Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries. A blood pressure measurement may be a test that measures the force (pressure) in your arteries as your heart pumps.

Coronary Angiography

Coronary angiography diagnoses and evaluates coronary artery blockages. Contrast dye is injected into arteries, enabling X-ray imaging to visualize blood flow and identify narrowing or blockages.

Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive technique of abdominal artery angioplasty, which is used to treat coronary arteries that are obstructed or constricted and it is the most appropriate technique used by doctors for the treatment.

Electrophysiology Study

An Electrophysiology Study (EP study) is a test utilized to assess the heart’s electrical framework and check for abnormal heart rhythms. The natural electrical impulses coordinate the contractions of different parts of the heart.

Rediofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses high-frequency electrical currents to generate heat, effectively destroying abnormal tissue or cells.

Pacemaker Implantation

Pacemakers are medical devices designed to support and regulate the electrical system of the heart, ensuring it functions properly. This medical procedure entails the insertion of a small device into the chest region.

ICD Implantation

An Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) is a life-saving device that plays a crucial role in monitoring and regulating heart rhythms. It consists of a pulse generator and leads implanted in the heart.

CRT_P & CRT-D Implantation

CRT implantation is a process in which technological instruments known as CRT-P and CRT-D where p stands for pacemaker and d stands for defibrillator.

Valvuloplasty

A balloon mitral valvuloplasty is a process to extend a restricted heart valve and improve blood flow. The heart valves handle how blood drives through the heart.

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Hemant Gaurkar’s Thought

Dr Chetan Rathi sir is good cardiologist. I visited him many times with my family and friends for consult about issues related with cardiology.

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FAQ's for SVT Treatment in Nagpur

It depends on the situation; an episode may last only a few seconds, or it may continue for hours. If the episode is long and does not resolve by itself, you should get a consultation for svt treatment in Nagpur or your local area without delay.

SVT usually is not the direct cause of clotting; however, if the heart rate is elevated for an extended period, it can contribute to problems. Receiving effective SVT treatment maintains healthy blood circulation.

The fact is that pregnancy-associated body stress could be a factor in triggering an episode. The good news is that there are methods that the doctor can recommend, which will be very safe during the time of pregnancy.

Definitely! Many people, after diagnosing the problem and aiming at the appropriate treatment with their doctor, continue living very energetic, long, and satisfying lives.

Changing one's lifestyle would be a huge impact; however, some individuals will still be in need of medication or even a simple procedure to obtain symptom-free status.
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