Supraventricular tachycardia is a faster-than-average heart rate, often caused by external factors such as alcohol, caffeine, and drugs. Symptoms include chest tightness, anxiety, and shortness of breath. Treatment depends on the cause and may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.
Supraventricular tachycardia is an umbrella term for a faster-than-average heart rate. The condition is most often paroxysmal, meaning a person experiences random, isolated episodes of rapid pulse and heart palpitations. Many people experience mild cases of supraventricular tachycardia without even noticing the symptoms, and most cases pose no health risk. If an individual experiences frequent chest tightness, anxiety, and shortness of breath, however, they should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Depending on the cause, a doctor may prescribe medications, suggest diet and lifestyle changes, or recommend surgery to prevent serious heart problems.
Most cases of supraventricular tachycardia can be attributed to external factors, especially alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and illicit drug use. Additionally, people who don’t maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine are at risk of developing conditions that put extra strain on the heart and lungs, leading to a rapid heartbeat. A person may also experience supraventricular tachycardia due to a congenital heart defect, hyperthyroidism, or an inherited lung disease.
Some people do not experience any physical symptoms of tachycardia, and their condition may not be diagnosed until a doctor notices it when screening for a different condition. When symptoms are present, a person is likely to feel an immediate sense of anxiety and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Breathing may become shallow and rapid, and it may be possible to feel the heart beating unevenly in the chest. A severe episode of rapid heartbeat can make a person dizzy and lightheaded, and they may pass out.
It’s important to visit a doctor or emergency room at the first signs of supraventricular tachycardia. If a patient is weak and unresponsive, emergency procedures are needed to stabilize blood pressure and respiration. In a non-emergency situation, your doctor may ask about your symptoms and conduct a variety of diagnostic tests to determine the underlying causes. An EKG is a common test that detects electrical activity in the heart via wires attached to the chest and wrists. Your doctor may also decide to take a chest X-ray and take a blood sample to further investigate your tachycardia.
Treatment for supraventricular tachycardia depends on the specific cause. Patients who have experienced issues related to their dietary or lifestyle choices are instructed to make immediate changes. They have access to resources to stop using drugs and alcohol and learn how to live healthily. Patients may also be prescribed medications called antiarrhythmics to help stabilize the heart rate and prevent future cases of rapid heartbeat. Life-threatening birth defects and heart problems often require surgery to avoid complications.
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