Overview

Supraventricular tachycardia, also known as SVT , is a common abnormal heart rhythm that can affect all ages. When you have SVT, the electrical system in your heart isn't working right. You might experience a sudden rapid heartbeat, which can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain and, in rare cases, loss of consciousness.

While there are some known triggers for SVT, such as excess alcohol, or coffee, stress and exercise, often SVT has no clear triggers. For example, it could occur while you are relaxed watching TV or it could wake you up from sleep.

SVT often starts and ends abruptly. It can stop either on its own or when you take an action to slow your heart rate. These are called vagal maneuvers and include trying to push air out with mouth and nose closed or bearing down like having a bowel movement. In some cases, you might need medication injected into a vein by emergency medical services or when you are in the emergency room.

After the first episode of SVT, you should meet with your doctor to determine if further treatment is needed. SVT can reoccur, but it is difficult to know when. There can be years between episodes. Medicines could help reduce the number of times they occur. The most commonly used medications are beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Other medications such as anti-arrhythmic drugs also could be used.

Sometimes medications are not effective and other interventions, such as an ablation, may be recommended.

Talk with your health care professional about the treatment options and the risks and benefits of each to decide what is right for you.