Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an abnormally fast heartbeat. It’s a general term that includes many types of heart arrhythmias.
A normal heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute is called a tachycardia. Heart rates over 100 beats per minute that occur above the ventricles in the atria are known as supraventricular tachycardia.
Things that may lead to SVT include:
- Heart failure
- Thyroid disease
- Heart disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Consuming too much caffeine
- Drug use, such as cocaine and methamphetamines
- Certain medications, including asthma medications and over-the-counter cold and allergy drugs
- Surgery
- Pregnancy
- Certain health conditions, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia may include:
- A fluttering in your chest
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Sweating
- A pounding sensation in the neck
- Syncope or near fainting
Diagnosis
To diagnose supraventricular tachycardia, a Deborah physician will test for conditions that may trigger SVT, such as heart disease or a problem with the thyroid gland. The doctor may also perform tests specific to arrhythmia, including:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Holter monitor
- Event monitor
- Echocardiogram
- Implantable loop recorder