AF versus SVT

[Duranta]

On my first incident of very high pulse rate 8 years ago I was diagnosed with AF and perscribed Metaprolol. One year later I had another episode of high pulse rate and was diagnosed with SVT and perscribed Sotalol. No major episodes since then. Can anyone explain the difference between AF and SVT?

[BobD Volunteer]

Attrial fibrillation is an irregular, irregular heart beat caused by the left atrium writhing like a bag of worms rather than contracting in a regular fashion. This transfers many of the electrical signals which create a heart beat to be passed to the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber) so that also beats out of synch, usually ata fast rate.

SVT is supra ventricular tachycardia where the left ventricle is pumping at a high rate (tachycardia = fast heart) and the signals causing this are coming from above the ventricle (the left atrium. )

In simple terms AF is highly irregular and usually fast and SVT regularly fast.

[Duranta in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD. That explains alot.

[baba in reply to BobD]

Not correct BobD.

SVT can be regular or irregular and AFib is one form of SVT. , if the rate is fast

You are correct in saying AFib is irregualarly irregular, whither tachycardic or at slower rates.

[John3333333]

AF is an SVT. There are several SVTs. These include AVNRT, AVRT, AF, AFl and more. They are managed in different ways, depending on rate, rhythm, duration etc. Some lucky people, like yourself, might be diagnosed with multiple SVTs. AF is the most common irregularly irregular SVT. AVNRT is the most common irregularly regular SVT.

[CDreamer]

OK - I’m going to give you a literal answer based on the SVT.

S= Supra - meaning above

V= Ventricular

T= Tachycardia - higher than normal heart rate.

It’s a blanket term widely used whereas AF & AFl describe very particular rhythms patterns.

[mjames1]

The reason you're getting conflicting answers is because some people are using the technical definition and others are using the clinical definition

Technically, afib is a type of SVT. However, in terms of clinical practice, they are different and are often treated differently.

For example, unlike an afib ablation, an SVT ablation is on the right side of the heart, and is a shorter, less invasive procedure, with a much higher success rate.

The actual difference is quite technical however, you will generally find a fast and regular rate with SVT and an irregular rate with atrial fibrillation

Jim

[SkyBluePInk47]

I highly recommend youtube

YORK cardiology

think the cardiologist who is on there is Dr. Gupta

He is in the UK and explains all kinds of heart conditions (example SVT, A/Fib, Tachycardia, etc. — in a way that regular people can easily understand. He is such a kind-hearted and amazing doctor. He is my favourite on youtube videos.

I highly recommend his videos.

All if the best!

[Hatten28]

hello to you, regarding your question sotalol, I have been taking it for 24 years, and at 84 years old feel lucky that I have survived the horrible A/F.

Some people react differently to medication so what suits one may not suit another.

I had very bad experiences with af but discovered that I was my own worst enemy, since stopping worrying and fretting about it, my heart has settled down and I can almost forget I have it, deep breathing and relaxation seem to have done the trick.

However sotalol can cause shortness of breath in some people.

A year ago my consultant requested me to change from sotalol to another drug, so far no change but as I feel ok regarding the AF I’m content.

Good luck to you I understand completely.

Regards hatten 28