Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is episodes of rapid heart rate that start in a part of the heart above the ventricles. "Paroxysmal" means from time to time.
PSVT; Supraventricular tachycardia; Abnormal heart rhythm - PSVT; Arrhythmia - PSVT; Rapid heart rate - PSVT; Fast heart rate - PSVT
Normally, the chambers of the heart (atria and ventricles) contract in a coordinated manner.
The rapid heart rate from PSVT may start with events that occur in areas of the heart above the lower chambers (ventricles).
There are a number of specific causes of PSVT. It can develop when doses of the heart medicine, digitalis, are too high. It can also occur with a condition known as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which is most often seen in young people and infants.
The following increase your risk for PSVT:
Symptoms most often start and stop suddenly. They can last for a few minutes or several hours. Symptoms may include:
Other symptoms that can occur with this condition include:
PSVT that occurs only once in a while may not need treatment if you don't have symptoms or other heart problems.
You can try the following techniques to interrupt a fast heartbeat during an episode of PSVT:
You should avoid smoking, caffeine, alcohol, and illicit drugs.
Emergency treatment to slow the heartbeat back to normal may include:
Long-term treatment for people who have repeat episodes of PSVT, or who also have heart disease, may include:
PSVT is generally not life threatening. If other heart disorders are present, it can lead to congestive heart failure or angina.
Call your health care provider if:
It is especially important to contact your provider if you also have other heart problems.
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