Supraventricular Tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a general term describing any rapid heart rate that starts in either the atria or the AV node. Specific types of SVT include atrial fibrillation, AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia, and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

People with SVT may have a heart rate of 140 to 250 beats per minute. A normal heart rate is about 60 to 100 beats per minute. It usually starts suddenly and lasts for a short period of time.

SVT becomes a problem if it occurs frequently, lasts for long periods of time or produces symptoms.

Risk factors

Supraventricular tachycardia is common in young people, often due to a congenital electrical abnormality. It can also occur as a result of certain heart and lung problems. Risks include smoking, using caffeine, drugs or alcohol, and certain medications.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include palpitations, light headedness, shortness of breath and chest pain. SVT also may rarely cause confusion or loss of consciousness.

Treatment

Treatment of SVT is aimed at correcting the cause of the arrhythmia or controlling the rapid heart rates. Medications or catheter ablation may be helpful.