Definition

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is an abnormally fast heart beat, which begins and ends suddenly. While the normal resting heart rate is approximately 60-100 beats per minute, a PSVT attack may cause a heart rate as fast as 160-280 beats per minute. People with PSVT have attacks of tachycardia that can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. The abnormal heart rate originates in heart tissue other than the ventricles or lower chambers of the heart

Although PSVT is not usually life-threatening, it can cause symptoms including palpitations or a feeling of heart racing, light-headedness, chest discomfort, and rarely, loss of consciousness. Frequent and prolonged episodes, if not treated, can cause weakening of the heart muscle. This can result in an inability of the heart to pump effectively. This may limit a person’s physical activity.

Anatomy of the Heart Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

In a normal heart, electrical impulses from the heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial or SA-node, prompt the heart to pump blood throughout the body. PSVT is the result of a “short circuit” in the electrical system of the heart. Normally there is only 1 electrical pathway between the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) and the bottom chambers (the ventricles). This connection is called the atrioventricular or AV-node. In some people, the AV-node has 2 pathways which can conduct impulses, a slow pathway and a fast pathway. This creates a situation in which a feedback loop can occur, called re-entry. Other people have an abnormal, additional connection between the atria and ventricles called an accessory pathway leading to PSVT. Still other people have an irritable group of cells in the atria that drives the tachycardia.

Risk Factors

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is more common in women. It can occur at any age, but usually develops in a person's 20s or 30s. Other factors that may increase your chances of PSVT:

• Anxiety, stress, or physical fatigue
• Hyperactive thyroid gland
• Excessive caffeine or alcohol use
• Respiratory illnesses
• Low potassium and magnesium levels
• Valvular heart disease

Symptoms

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia may cause:

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Weakness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
• Shortness of breath and anxiety
• Chest discomfort
• Rarely, loss of consciousness

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) usually begins when a person notices uncomfortable attacks of rapid heart beating. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The attacks may be too brief for the doctor to observe, so tests may be ordered to find the cause of the attacks. Tests may include the following:

• ECG —To measure the electrical activity of the heart.
• Implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small device that is surgically implanted under the skin of the chest and can be left in place for up to a year, or longer in some cases, in order to diagnose abnormal heart rhythms.
• Electrophysiologic study (EPS) is an invasive heart study where electrical wires are placed in the heart through a small puncture in the veins in groin. These wires map the electrical conduction system of the heart to locate the source of the abnormality.
• Echocardiogram or ultrasound exam of the heart to exclude structural heart disease.
• Blood tests to look for abnormalities in electrolytes and thyroid function.

Treatment

Treatment for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) involves stopping the electrical impulses causing the attacks. This can be attempted manually by your doctor using several techniques, including a guided breathing exercise called the Valsalva maneuver or carotid sinus massage. With the latter technique, the doctor applies pressure to the carotid artery in the neck for a few seconds, to reset the electrical signals and return the heart rhythm to normal. The doctor may teach you to do these procedures to yourself to terminate the episodes.

If manual methods fail, additional options include:

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia:

• Limit alcohol, smoking, and caffeine.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Avoid excessive fatigue and lack of sleep.