Supraventrikulaarisia

Supraventrikulaarisia, often referred to as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), is a general term for a rapid heart rhythm that originates in the atria or the atrioventricular (AV) node of the heart. This means the electrical impulse causing the heart to beat starts above the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. Normal heart rates typically range from 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest. In SVT, the heart rate can significantly exceed this, often reaching 150 to 250 beats per minute, though it can be even faster.

The symptoms of SVT can vary from person to person and may include a sudden onset of a racing heartbeat, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, and sometimes fainting. In many cases, SVT episodes are brief and self-limiting, resolving on their own. However, persistent or frequent episodes may require medical intervention.

There are several types of SVT, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). The underlying cause of SVT is often an abnormality in the heart's electrical system, which can be congenital or acquired due to factors like stress, caffeine, alcohol, or certain medical conditions. Diagnosis typically involves an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the heart's electrical activity. Treatment options depend on the type and frequency of SVT episodes and may include vagal maneuvers, medications to control heart rate or rhythm, or procedures like catheter ablation.