supraventricularisak

Supraventricular tachycardia, often abbreviated as SVT, is a type of irregular heartbeat that originates in the upper chambers of the heart, the atria. It is characterized by a rapid heart rate, typically exceeding 100 beats per minute, and a regular rhythm. The term "supraventricular" refers to the origin of the abnormal electrical signals above the ventricles. These rapid rhythms can occur intermittently, meaning they come and go, or they can be sustained.

The underlying cause of SVT is usually an electrical short circuit or a re-entrant pathway within the atria or the atrioventricular (AV) node, which connects the atria to the ventricles. This abnormal electrical activity causes the heart to beat much faster than normal. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include palpitations, a feeling of a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, or lightheadedness. Some individuals may experience no symptoms at all.

Diagnosis of SVT typically involves an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the heart's electrical activity. Other diagnostic tests may include a Holter monitor, which records heart activity over a longer period, or an electrophysiology study (EPS), an invasive procedure that maps the heart's electrical system. Treatment options depend on the frequency and severity of symptoms and may include medications to control heart rate or rhythm, vagal maneuvers (techniques to stimulate the vagus nerve), or procedures like catheter ablation, which aims to correct the electrical abnormality. In many cases, SVT is not life-threatening but can significantly impact a person's quality of life.