Supraventricular tachycardia

Diagnosis

To diagnose supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a healthcare provider will assess the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Additionally, they may conduct blood tests to rule out other conditions such as thyroid disorders that can present similar symptoms. 

The combination of symptom evaluation, medical history assessment, and diagnostic tests helps healthcare providers in identifying SVT.

The following examinations can be performed to assess the heart and identify supraventricular tachycardia (SVT):

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): The electrical activity of the heart is captured by an ECG. An electrocardiogram (ECG) assesses the timing and duration of each electrical phase within the heartbeat, providing information about the heart’s rhythm and rate, whether it is fast or slow.
• Echocardiogram: Images of the beating heart are produced using sound waves. Information on the heart and heart valves can be obtained through an echocardiography.
• Holter monitor: To record the heart’s activity during regular activities, this portable ECG devices can be worn for up to a day. 
• Event recorder: To identify irregular heartbeats, this wearable ECG devices is utilized. As soon as symptoms appear, simply click a button. Normally, an event recorder is worn for up to 30 days or until an arrhythmia or symptoms appear. 
• Implantable loop recorder: The chest region is the location of an implanted device, which monitors abnormal heart beats. 
• Additional tests that could be performed include:
  • Exercise stress test: Stress or physical activity can cause or exacerbate supraventricular tachycardia. The patient usually works out on a treadmill or stationary bike during a stress test while the heart rate is being tracked. During the test, they might be given a medication to stimulate the heart similarly to exercise if they are unable to exercise and the doctor suspects that heart disease may be the cause of the arrhythmia. 
  • Tilt table test: If they have fainting spells, the healthcare provider might advise this test. They are lying flat on a table while having their heart rate and blood pressure checked. Then it is angled so that they appear to be standing. The healthcare provider watches how the heart and nervous system that regulates it react to the change in angle. 
  • Electrophysiological (EP) study: A blood vessel, typically in the groin, is used to guide one or more thin, flexible tubes (catheters) to different locations in the heart. The electrical patterns of the heart are captured by sensors on the catheter tips. A medical professional can observe how electrical signals move through the heart with each beating using an EP study.

Treatment

Treatment is typically unnecessary for individuals with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Many people find relief by making lifestyle adjustments such as getting sufficient sleep, reducing their consumption of coffee and alcohol, or quitting smoking. However, if prolonged or recurrent episodes occur, a healthcare provider may suggest the following interventions:

• Medications: A healthcare provider may recommend medicine to control heart rate or return the patient’s heart to a normal rhythm if they experience recurrent SVT episodes. To avoid complications, it’s crucial to take the medication exactly as prescribed. The following medicine such as adenosine, atropine, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, digitalis, or potassium channel blockers can assist in slowing down the heart rate. 
• Carotid sinus massage: The area of the neck where the carotid artery divides into two branches is gently pressed by a healthcare provider. This kind of massage causes the body to release chemicals that lower heart rate. Never try to massage your own carotid sinuses. 
• Vagal maneuvers: Coughing, bearing down as if having a bowel movement, applying an ice pack to the face, and other straightforward but specific movements can all assist lower heart rate. During an episode of SVT, the healthcare provider might urge patients to carry out these tasks. The vagus nerve, that helps in regulating heartbeat, is affected by these processes.
• Cardioversion: Electrical shocks delivered to the heart through paddles or patches placed on the chest aid in restoring the heart’s rhythm by resetting it. When vagal exercises and medications don’t work, cardioversion is used frequently. 
• Catheter ablation: Catheters, which are small, flexible tubes used in this treatment, are inserted by a healthcare provider into veins or arteries, typically in the groin. Utilizing heat or cold energy, sensors located at the tip of a catheter are employed to generate minuscule scars within the heart. These scars serve to block irregular electrical signals, facilitating the restoration of a normal heartbeat.
• Pacemaker: In rare cases, when necessary, a small implanted device called a pacemaker may be used to stimulate the heart’s beating. This involves a brief surgical procedure where the pacemaker is implanted beneath the skin near the collarbone. A wire is then connected from the device to the heart.