Description
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an abnormal heart rhythm that originates in the top part of the heart (atrium). The rate is faster than 100 beats per minute and it can be a lot faster. SVT typically occurs suddenly and stops suddenly. The occurrence of SVT increases with age and is more common in women.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some individuals do not have any symptoms. Others experience palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and lightheadedness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. The diagnosis can usually be made on EKG. Occasionally, a Holter or event monitor will need to be worn.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Holter monitor, event monitor
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. The diagnosis can usually be made on EKG. Occasionally, a Holter or event monitor will need to be worn.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Holter monitor, event monitor
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology
Treatment
Treatment can be divided into immediate and chronic therapy. Immediate therapy is directed at converting the heart rhythm back to normal with intravenous drugs, such as adenosine, diltiazem (Cardizem), or metoprolol (Lopressor) or cardioversion (shocking the heart). People with recurrent episodes can take medicine to help prevent them, such as oral diltiazem or metoprolol. Another option is radiofrequency catheter ablation (a procedure that uses radio waves directed at the place in the heart that triggers SVT).