Experiences with
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)Causes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
SVT happens when the electrical system that controls your heart rhythm is not working properly.
This causes your heart to suddenly beat much faster. It can then slow down abruptly.
A normal resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). But with SVT your heart rate suddenly goes above 100bpm. This can happen when you're resting or doing exercise.
Symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
Having SVT means your heart suddenly beats faster.
This:
- usually lasts for a few minutes, but can sometimes last for several hours
- can happen several times a day or once a year – it varies
- can be triggered by tiredness, caffeine, alcohol or drugs – but often there's no obvious trigger
- can happen at any age, but often starts for the first time in children and young adults – many people have their first symptoms between 25 and 40
You may get no other symptoms, but sometimes people also:
- have chest pain
- feel weak, breathless or lightheaded
- feel tired
- feel sick or are sick
Things you can do to help with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
If your episodes of SVT only last a few minutes and do not bother you, you may not need treatment.
You can make changes to your lifestyle to reduce your chances of having episodes, such as:
- cutting down on the amount of caffeine or alcohol you drink
- stopping or cutting back on smoking
- making sure you get enough rest
Your doctor may also be able to recommend some simple techniques to help stop episodes when they happen.
Treating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in hospital
SVT is rarely life threatening. But you may need treatment in hospital if you keep having long episodes.
This may include:
- medicines to control the episodes of SVT – given as tablets or through a vein
- cardioversion – a small electric shock to the heart to help it get back to a normal rhythm
- catheter ablation – a treatment where thin tubes are placed through a vein or artery into your heart to correct the problem with the electrical system; this permanently cures the problem in most patients
The main symptom of supraventricular tachycardia is your heart suddenly beating faster than usual for a few minutes or sometimes several hours.
Things like avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help with supraventricular tachycardia. Medicines or a heart procedure may be needed if it's severe.
Supraventricular tachycardia is caused by a problem with the electrical system that controls your heartbeat.
Related links
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
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