what is svt heart

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a condition characterized by a very fast heart rhythm that originates in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). It is a type of arrhythmia, meaning an irregular heartbeat. Normally, the heart beats between 60 to 100 times per minute, but during an SVT episode, the heart can beat rapidly, ranging from about 150 to 220 beats per minute. SVT includes several types of fast heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), and Wolff- Parkinson-White syndrome. The abnormal rhythms start from the atria or the atrioventricular (AV) node and usually result from faulty electrical signals in the heart that cause the heart to beat too quickly and sometimes irregularly. Symptoms of SVT can include palpitations (a feeling of a racing or pounding heart), dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sweating. Some people may experience only the rapid heartbeat without other symptoms. SVT is more common in younger people, especially women and those assigned female at birth, and it can happen at rest or during activity. Diagnosis is often made using an electrocardiogram (ECG) or heart monitoring devices. Treatments vary depending on the type and severity of SVT and can include maneuvers to slow the heart rate, medications, catheter ablation (a procedure to destroy the area of the heart causing the abnormal rhythm), or other medical interventions. While SVT episodes can be distressing, the condition is generally not considered life-threatening, especially when managed properly with medical advice and treatment.