Symptoms
Acute management of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) includes controlling the rate and preventing hemodynamic collapse. If the patient is hypotensive or unstable, immediate cardioversion with sedation must be performed. If the patient is stable, vagal maneuvers can be used to slow the heart rate and to convert to sinus rhythm.
Causes
Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your supraventricular tachycardia-related health concerns Start Here Most people with supraventricular tachycardia do not require medical treatment. However, if you have long or frequent episodes, your doctor may recommend the following: Carotid sinus massage.
Prevention
Other names: Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia. About Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is episodes of rapid heart rate that start in a part of the heart above the ventricles.
Complications
Evaluate patients on an individual basis, and tailor treatment to the best therapy for the specific tachyarrhythmia. Patients with paroxysmal SVT may initially be treated with calcium channel blockers, digoxin, and/or beta-blockers.
What is included in acute management of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)?
How can the Mayo Clinic help with supraventricular tachycardia?
What is another name for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia?
What are the treatment options for tachyarrhythmia (SVT)?
What is the best medication for supraventricular tachycardia?
Medications. You might need to go to your doctor's office or the ER for medicine. You might get a shot of a fast-acting medicine to block the electrical impulses that are causing your heart to race. Examples include adenosine (Adenocard or Adenoscan) and verapamil (Calan, Verelan).
Which drug is used in treating supraventricular tachycardia?
Drugs used to treat Supraventricular TachycardiaDrug nameRatingCSAGeneric name: metoprolol systemic Drug class: cardioselective beta blockers For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects For professionals: Prescribing InformationView information about adenosine adenosine8.3N67 more rows
What is first line treatment for PSVT?
Catheter ablation: This outpatient procedure is used to treat or cure many types of heart arrhythmia, including PSVT. Catheter ablation is a mature technique known to be safe and effective. Therefore, it is considered a first-line therapy for PSVT.
How do you treat supraventricular tachycardia?
If you have recurring episodes of SVT, you may need to take medicines, either on an as-needed basis or daily. Medicine treatment may include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or other antiarrhythmic medicines. In people who have frequent episodes, treatment with medicines can decrease how often these occur.
Is adenosine used for SVT?
Therapeutically, adenosine is used for its antiarrhythmic properties in supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and can function as a diagnostic tool as well, depending on the type of SVT.
What is used to treat tachycardia?
If you've been diagnosed with tachycardia, your doctor may prescribe a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers stop the action of the hormone adrenaline. This can relieve your tachycardia by slowing your heart rate. It can also lower your blood pressure and decrease the stress on your heart.
Is digoxin used to treat SVT?
Medications to Treat Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) These medications include: Beta-blocking agents. Calcium channel agents. Digoxin.
Does amiodarone treat SVT?
Background— Intravenous amiodarone and procainamide are both used as therapies for refractory supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Which beta blocker is best for SVT?
Pharmacologic Treatment Pharmacologic therapy for acute termination of SVT is appropriate in patients when vagal maneuvers fail. The preferred initial agents are intravenous (IV) adenosine or a nondihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.
What is adenosine used for?
ADENOSINE (a DEN uh seen) is used to bring your heart back into a normal rhythm. This medicine is not useful for all types of irregular heart beats. It may be used to test the heart for coronary artery disease.
Which drug is an antiarrhythmic?
Examples include disopyramide, flecainide, mexiletine, propafenone and quinidine. Class II, beta blockers: These drugs slow down the heart rate, often by blocking hormones such as adrenaline. Examples include acebutolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, nadolol and propranolol.
How can supraventricular tachycardia be Prevented?
Keeping the heart healthy is an important step in preventing SVT . Eat a heart-healthy diet, don't smoke, get regular exercise and manage stress. For most people with supraventricular tachycardia, moderate amounts of caffeine do not trigger an episode of SVT . Large amounts of caffeine should be avoided, however.
What is PSVT in medicine?
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is episodes of rapid heart rate that start in a part of the heart above the ventricles. "Paroxysmal" means from time to time.
What is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision?
There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. 2. Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. 3.
What is the treatment for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia?
Acute management of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) includes controlling the rate and preventing hemodynamic collapse. If the patient is hypotensive or unstable, immediate cardioversion with sedation must be performed. If the patient is stable, vagal maneuvers can be used to slow the heart rate and to convert to sinus rhythm. If vagal maneuvers are not successful, adenosine can be used in increasing doses. If adenosine does not work, atrioventricular (AV) nodal blocking agents like calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers should be used, as most patients who present with PSVT have AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) or AV reentrant tachycardia (AVRT). These arrhythmias depend on AV nodal conduction and therefore can be terminated by transiently blocking this conduction.
Who should be consulted for patients with paroxysmal SVT, syncope, and/or preex
A cardiologist should be consulted for patients with frequent episodes of paroxysmal SVT, syncope, and/or preexcitation syndromes. Consultation with a cardiologist should also be obtained for patients in whom medical management has failed.
What is the most effective method for restoring sinus rhythm?
Electrical cardioversion is the most effective method for restoring sinus rhythm. Synchronized cardioversion starting at 50J can be used immediately in patients who are hypotensive, have pulmonary edema, have chest pain with ischemia, or are otherwise unstable.
What medications can restore sinus rhythm?
The sinus rhythm may be restored with either pharmacologic agents or electrical cardioversion. Medications such as ibutilide, propafenone, and flecainide convert atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter of short duration to sinus rhythm.
What is the short term management of SVT?
When SVT is not terminated by vagal maneuvers, short-term management involves intravenous adenosine or calcium channel blockers. Adenosine is a short-acting drug that blocks AV node conduction; it terminates 90% of tachycardias due to AVNRT or AVRT.
What is a vagal maneuver?
Vagal Maneuvers. The first-line treatment in hemodynamically stable patients, vagal maneuvers, such as breath-holding and the Valsalva maneuver (ie, having the patient bear down as though having a bowel movement), slow conduction in the AV node and can potentially interrupt the reentrant circuit.
How often should you see a patient after a radiofrequency catheter ablation?
Patients treated medically should be monitored regularly. Patients cured with radiofrequency catheter ablation are typically seen once in a follow-up examination following the procedure , then as needed for recurrent symptoms.
What is a supraventricular tachycardia test?
This device detects abnormal heart rhythms and is implanted under the skin in the chest area. If your doctor doesn't find a heart rhythm problem during those tests, you may need other tests, such as: Stress test. For some people, supraventricular tachycardia is triggered or worsened by stress or exercise.
How to diagnose supraventricular tachycardia?
To diagnose supraventricular tachycardia, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and your medical history and perform a physical exam. Blood tests are usually done to check for other health conditions that could cause your symptoms, such as thyroid disease.
How does cardioversion work?
Cardioversion may be done using medications or during a heart procedure. In the procedure, a shock is delivered to your heart through paddles or patches on your chest. The current affects the electrical signals in your heart and can restore a normal rhythm. Medications.
What is the test for SVT?
Tests to diagnosis SVT include: Electrocardiogram (ECG). During an ECG, sensors (electrodes) that can detect the electrical activity of your heart are attached to your chest and sometimes to your limbs. An ECG measures the timing and duration of each electrical phase in your heartbeat. Holter monitor.
How to stop SVT?
You may be able to stop an episode of SVT by using particular movements such as holding your breath and straining as you would during a bowel movement, dunking your face in ice water, or coughing.
What kind of doctor is referred to for heart surgery?
You may be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions (cardiologist). Appointments can be brief. Because there's often a lot to discuss, it's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What to do if you have a SVT?
Medications. If you have frequent episodes of SVT, your doctor may prescribe medication to control your heart rate or restore a normal heart rhythm. It's very important to take the medication exactly as directed by your doctor in order to reduce complications. Catheter ablation.
Overview and Facts about Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a heart condition that causes a rapid heart rate. PVST is a common type of abnormal heartbeat or arrhythmia. If you have PVST, your symptoms likely come and go.
Causes and Risk Factors of Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
The sinus node is an area of your heart that generates electrical signals. It then directs the signals along certain pathways. Individuals with PVST may have an extra electrical pathway in their heart. Electrical signals traveling this pathway might cause the heart to contract too rapidly.
Tests and Diagnosis of Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
An electrocardiogram test (ECG or EKG) can help determine the cause of an abnormal heart rhythm. To perform this test, a medical professional attaches sensors to several parts of your body. These sensors detect and record the electrical signals in your heart.
Treatment and Care for Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
PVST doesn't always require treatment. Your doctor might recommend at-home treatments to help manage your symptoms. A breathing technique called the Valsalva maneuver can provide some relief.
Management
Contraindications
Medical uses
Prognosis
Diet
- Acute management of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) includes controlling the rate and preventing hemodynamic collapse. If the patient is hypotensive or unstable, immediate cardioversion with sedation must be performed. If the patient is stable, vagal maneuvers can be used to slow the heart rate and to convert to sinus rhythm. If vaga...
Treatment
- Patients with symptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome should not be treated with calcium channel blockers or digoxin unless the pathway is known to be of low risk (long anterograde refractory period). This is because of the potential for rapid ventricular rates should atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter occur, which can result in cardiac arrest. Patients with preexcite…
Benefits
- Electrical cardioversion is the most effective method for restoring sinus rhythm. Synchronized cardioversion starting at 50J can be used immediately in patients who are hypotensive, have pulmonary edema, have chest pain with ischemia, or are otherwise unstable.
Diagnosis
- If atrial fibrillation has been present for longer than 24-48 hours, defer cardioversion until the patient has been adequately anticoagulated to prevent thromboembolic complications. [40, 36, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 41]
Treatment
- Dietary changes depend on underlying medical problems. Changes in physical activity depend on underlying cardiac problems and other comorbidities.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- A cardiologist should be consulted for patients with frequent episodes of paroxysmal SVT, syncope, and/or preexcitation syndromes. Consultation with a cardiologist should also be obtained for patients in whom medical management has failed.
Alternative Medicine
- Patient transfer to a center with radiofrequency catheter ablation is reasonable if this therapy is planned. Alternatively, patients can be discharged home and scheduled for outpatient procedures. Exceptions include patients with syncope, profound symptoms, or preexcited atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
Preparing For Your Appointment