Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia(PSVT; Supraventricular Tachycardia)Pronounced: Par-ocks-ee-mal Soo-pra-ventricular tacky-cardia
by
Maria Borowski, MA DefinitionParoxysmal 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.
CausesIn 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 FactorsParoxysmal 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:
SymptomsParoxysmal supraventricular tachycardia may cause:
DiagnosisA 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:
TreatmentTreatment 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: MedicationFor people who have numerous attacks, there are medications available that can slow the conduction of electrical signals. These include:
SurgeryA surgical procedure, known as ablation, may be necessary if attacks are frequent or if the person does not want to take medications. In this therapy, the abnormal portion of cardiac tissue causing the arrhythmia is identified and destroyed. This procedure is done in conjunction with an electrophysiology study. PreventionTo help reduce your chances of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia:
RESOURCES:American Heart Association http://www.heart.org/ Heart Rhythm Society http://www.hrsonline.org/ CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Heart Rhythm Society http://www.chrsonline.ca Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.ca References:Ferguson JD, DiMarco JP. Contemporary management of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
Circulation. 2003;107(8):1096-1099. Reentrant supraventricular tachycardias (SVT, PSVT). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated September 2017. Accessed November 28, 2017.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated December 21, 2015. Accessed November 28, 2017.
Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC Last Updated: 12/20/2014 |
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