PSVT Heart Treatment

Expert diagnosis and treatment of PSVT, or episodes of fast heart rate that commence from the supraventricular chambers of your heart.

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Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia [PSVT] -
An Overview

PSVT, or Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT), is an arrhythmia or unusual heart rhythm triggered by short circuits in the upper heart chambers. During PSVT, your heart beat will be regular but fast, occurring in short bursts that start and stop abruptly.

Every heartbeat starts when an electrical signal is initiated from the Sinoatrial Node or SA Node in the right atrium. These electrical impulses are generated at 60-100 per minute. In Supraventricular tachycardia, most commonly referred to as SVT, the electrical stimulation is generated elsewhere in the upper chambers suddenly at a very fast rate (usually 150-250 beats/min).

Symptoms

Palpitations
Fluttering sensation in the chest
Difficulty in breathing
Excessive sweating
Dizziness or fainting spells or syncope
Pain or discomfort in the chest
General weakness or fatigue

Other Complications

Weakening of heart muscles
Heart failure
Worsen with other medical complications
Cardiac arrest
Unconsciousness

Causes

Abnormalities in the electrical system of the heart
Pneumonia
Anxiety
Caffeine
Hyperthyroidism
Illicit drug usage
Continuous smoking
Excessive alcohol intake
Myocardial Infarction
Cardiomyopathy or weak heart muscle
Pulmonary Embolism

A heart expert wearing hand gloves protects a virtual heart illustrates heart care for Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT).

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Types of
PSVT

PSVT or SVT is of two types: Atrioventricular Nodal Re-entrant Tachycardia (AVNRT), and Atrioventricular Reentrant Tachycardia (AVRT). Both are due to an additional electrical connection between the upper and lower chambers of the heart, which facilitates SVT. Another less common type of SVT is atrial tachycardia (PAT), where the abnormal electrical impulse originates from unusual sites in the upper chambers of the heart.

Atrioventricular Nodal Re-entrant Tachycardia (AVNRT)

The leading reason for PSVT is Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT). An electrical impulse entering the small extra path close to the Atrioventricular node will circulate rapidly, resulting in a paroxysmal or sudden rapid heartbeat in both ventricles and the atria.

Lightheadedness or syncope, or fainting spells are common symptoms of AVNRT, although it is not a fatal arrhythmia.

Atrioventricular Reentrant Tachycardia (AVRT)

An atrioventricular Reentrant Tachycardia/ Atrioventricular Reciprocating Tachycardia (AVRT) is an abnormal heart rhythm that causes the heart to beat too fast. The Wolff-Parkinson-White(WPW) syndrome is the most common type of AVRT. It happens when additional muscle fibres connects the lower and upper heart chambers. This extra muscle can trigger an arrhythmia called Atrioventricular Reciprocating Tachycardia.

Atrial Tachycardia (PAT)

Atrial tachycardia accounts for approximately 5% of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias (PSVTs). This condition arises when the hearts electric signal within triggers rapid firing from a location outside the sinus node. Consequently, the impulse circulates the atria in a circular path, because of a short circuit.

PSVT
Treatment Options

Medication

Medications reduce the frequency and severity of episodes but do not cure the problem. There is also the possibility of developing side effects from these drugs. Hence, always consult with the doctor before you choose a medication.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Our radiofrequency ablation treatment helps cure PSVT and prevents you from lifelong medical therapy. Although it is a mature technique, catheter ablation is safe and effective and is considered a principal PSVT therapy.

Cryo Catheter Ablation

Cryoablation is a medical procedure conducted to deactivate the heart cells responsible for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and return the heart to its regular rhythm. This approach is generally considered safer and less invasive than surgical interventions.

Pacemakers

In rare cases, pacemaker implantation might be helpful in the elderly population where Atrial Tachycardia is associated with marked slow heartbeats (Bradycardia).

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PSVT Heart Treatment -
Answers to Your Queries

Is PSVT a common occurrence?

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia is common across all age groups- from infants and children to elderly people especially those with heart diseases.

What happens to the heart when PSVT occurs?

When the Sinus Node gives off electrical impulses, the heart muscles contract. This is a normal occurrence. However, during PSVT episodes, the normal impulses are disrupted, causing a fast heart rate. These disturbances start from the upper chambers or the atria.

Why does PSVT occur?

PSVT is a short circuit caused by any one of the three conditions:

Atrial Tachycardia
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW)
Atrioventricular Nodal Re-entrant Tachycardia (AVNRT)

The location of the PSVT and its characteristics may differ depending on the cause.

What PSVT risk factors should we be aware of?

PSVT is the most common arrhythmia that affects all age groups, from infants and small children to elderly people. It is also a common occurrence in pregnant women. However, generally, PSVT can affect anyone with the following risk factors:

Birth defects in electrical circuits of the heart
Age
Previous heart surgeries
Coronary heart disease or other cardiac issues
Congenital heart disease
Obstructive sleep apnea
Thyroid or diabetes
Illegal drug use/nicotene

What are the PSVT symptoms that require a visit to the doctor?

It is best you contact our doctors immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

On and off fast heartbeats
Fast heart rate with the symptom extending beyond a few minutes.
Any other symptoms with a rapid heart rate.
Often recurring existing symptoms or the development of new ones.
Whenever you cough or perform the Valsalva manoeuvre, your PSVT episode does not disappear.

What are the preventive measures for PSVT?

Although it is impossible to avoid PSVT, you can mitigate the risks by:

Making smart lifestyle changes
Following a heart-healthy diet
Staying fit and maintaining an ideal body weight
Maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol
Bringing down your blood pressure
Avoiding triggers that cause PSVT episodes
Giving up smoking and use of tobacco products