Supraventricular Tachycardia

All You Need to Know About Supraventricular Tachycardia: 

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is a condition where the heart beats too quickly and irregularly, typically originating in the Atria or the Atrioventricular node. SVT can cause a range of symptoms, from palpitations and chest discomfort to fainting and shortness of breath. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common Supraventricular Tachycardia Treatment options and what you should know about them.    

What are the Supraventricular Tachycardia Treatment options?  

There are several treatment options available for people with Supraventricular Tachycardia.  

1. Vagal Maneuvers  

Vagal maneuvers are simple physical techniques that can be used to slow down the heart rate and stop an episode of SVT. These maneuvers include:   

• • • Bearing down: This involves bearing down as if having a bowel movement, which can stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the heart rate. 
    • Cold water to the face: Splashing cold water on your face can also stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the heart rate. 
    • Coughing: Forceful coughing can help stimulate the vagus nerve and slow down the heart rate. 

2. Medications for Supraventricular Tachycardia

Medications are often the first line of treatment for SVT. There are several different types of medications that can be used to control the heart’s rhythm and rate, including:   

• • • Beta-blockers: These medications can slow down the heart rate and reduce symptoms of SVT. 
    • Calcium channel blockers: These medications can help control the heart’s rhythm and rate. 
    • Anti-arrhythmic drugs: These medications can help restore a normal heart rhythm and prevent future episodes of SVT.   

3. Cardioversion for Supraventricular Tachycardia 

Cardioversion is a procedure that can be used to restore a normal heart rhythm in people with SVT. There are two types of cardioversion: electrical and chemical. Electrical cardioversion involves delivering an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm, while chemical cardioversion involves using medication to achieve the same effect.   

4. Ablation for Supraventricular Tachycardia

Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat SVT in certain cases. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the heart and used to deliver radiofrequency energy or freezing temperatures to destroy small areas of heart tissue that are causing the irregular heart rhythm.   

5. Surgery for Supraventricular Tachycardia

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat SVT. The most common type of surgery for SVT is called a maze procedure, which involves creating a series of small incisions in the atria to disrupt the electrical signals that cause the irregular heart rhythm.