Supraventricular Tachycardia Specialist

What is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?

Named for the location in the heart where it begins (above, or supra, to the ventricles) and the nature of its abnormality (a faster than normal beat), SVT is a relatively common condition that may or may not cause significant symptoms otherwise.

Should I be concerned about SVT?

A normal heartbeat occurs at a rate of 60-100 beats per minute. When your heart beats faster than 100 beats per minute, it’s known as tachycardia. 

A rapidly increasing heart rate can stress and strain the heart to the point of causing long-term damage. 

However, most people who experience SVT have temporary cycles of tachycardia without other symptoms and may go months or longer between episodes.

For some, however, the rapid heart rate can last for days and be accompanied by other disturbing symptoms. 

Whenever you experience unusual or new symptoms such as erratic heart rhythms, it’s always a good idea to see your doctor. 

When the symptoms interfere with your daily routine or cause undue stress and strain, evaluation and treatment by an expert can relieve your SVT symptoms as well as the anxiety it may be causing.

What are the symptoms of SVT?

Along with a rapid heart rate, you may notice:

• Profuse sweating
• Fluttering sensation in your chest
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness, dizziness
• A pounding sensation in the neck
• Fainting (syncope) or near fainting

Infants can also experience SVT and may have symptoms such as sweating, clammy skin, difficulty eating, and paleness.

How is SVT treated?

Treatment for SVT begins with a thorough evaluation that’s designed to discover the cause of your irregular heartbeat. 

Once that’s taken place, your specialist develops a treatment plan that relieves your symptoms and protects your heart health. 

SVT is sometimes due to heart disease or heart failure. Sometimes, however, the symptoms aren’t related to your heart.

Some non-cardiac conditions that can cause a fast heartbeat to include:

• Thyroid disease
• Chronic lung disease, such as COPD
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Too much caffeine
• Asthma medications and over-the-counter cold and allergy drugs

Many illegal drugs can cause a rapid heartbeat, including cocaine. Pregnancy may also play a role in SVT.

For further information about SVT and evaluation that gets to the root of the issue, schedule a visit at Premier Cardiology Consultants today. Call today or book online.