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).
If you're experiencing PSVT or other arrhythmias, it's essential to consult an interventional cardiologist. They can accurately diagnose the condition and provide specialized treatment to manage your heart rhythm effectively.
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.
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.