What is SVT?
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an abnormally fast heart rhythm originating above the heart's ventricles. It's a broad term that includes many forms of heart rhythm disturbances.
SVT's Diverse Types
SVT encompasses various conditions like Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter, and Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT), each with unique electrical patterns and clinical implications.
Understanding SVT Mechanisms
SVT mechanisms include reentrant circuits and abnormal automaticity. Reentry is the most common, involving a circular movement of an electrical impulse around a roadblock in the heart's pathways.
Triggers and Risk Factors
Triggers for SVT episodes can range from stress, caffeine, and alcohol to hormonal changes. Risk factors include genetics, heart disease, and certain medications.
Symptoms to Recognize
Common SVT symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. However, some SVTs can occur without any symptoms at all.
Diagnosis of SVT
Diagnosing SVT typically involves ECG monitoring and may include an electrophysiological study (EPS). Innovative technologies like implantable loop recorders help in capturing intermittent episodes.
Advancements in Treatment
Treatment has evolved from mere medication management to catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure with high success rates for certain types of SVT.
What does SVT stand for?
Supraventricular Tardy Syndrome
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Subventricular Tachymeter
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