There are also abnormal types, where the heart seems to speed up for no reason. These tachycardias are a type of arrhythmia — a heart rhythm disorder, usually caused by a glitch in the electrical system that controls the heartbeat. But a short-circuit anywhere along this path can throw off the normal pace or rhythm of the heart. In most cases, this type of tachycardia is just a nuisance problem. This type of tachycardia is more likely to pose a danger, although not all do. If you know exactly what type of tachycardia your daughter has, you can make informed decisions about treatments that can minimize her risks — which should be very reassuring for you.
In addition to a medical history and physical exam, a thorough assessment of tachycardia should include:. By correlating all of this information, and looking at the symptoms your daughter experiences at the moment that a tachycardia episode is occurring, a physician can confirm what type of tachycardia your daughter has, reassure you about whether it is dangerous or not, and recommend the best options for treatment.
But if the episodes happen fairly often, last a long time, or cause a lot of anxiety, then treatment may be beneficial and reassuring. Depending on the type of tachycardia, treatment options might include antiarrhythmic medications or a procedure called catheter ablation, which permanently eliminates the tissue that was causing the short-circuit in the electrical pathway. The pulse may still be at regular intervals, but those intervals will be closer together.
In minor cases of Tachycardia, you may not need treatment or medication. However, if your condition is causing your heart to work inefficiently, you may notice that you feel fatigued, experience chest pressure, or become breathless. This means that your body is not receiving the oxygenated blood that it needs to function properly. Most people experience occasional bouts of heart palpitations, and these alone should not be a cause for concern.
However, if you think that Tachycardia is causing dizziness, fatigue, or tightness in your chest, come see us at SignatureCare.
It takes about five minutes and is painless. The diagnosis of SVT can then be confirmed and other conditions ruled out. However, it may be difficult to capture an attack.
So your doctor may ask you to wear a small, portable electrocardiogram monitor that will record your heart rate either continuously over 24 hours, or when you switch it on at the start of an attack.
Further tests may be done once episodes of SVT are confirmed. These aim to determine the exact location within the heart that is triggering the episodes of SVT.
For example, you may be asked to take part in a electrophysiology study done under sedation, in which doctors pass electrodes soft flexible wires up through a vein in your leg to your heart. These electrodes measure the electrical signals in your heart and enable doctors to determine where the abnormal signals are coming from. In many cases, the symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia SVT stop quickly and no treatment is needed.
If treatment is needed, you will have to go to hospital. If symptoms last for a long time or are severe, a medicine — usually adenosine — can be injected into your vein, which blocks the abnormal electrical impulses in your heart. When adenosine is not recommended — for example, if you have asthma — an injection of verapamil can be given instead. Electric shock treatment called cardioversion is occasionally used to stop an episode of SVT.
A machine called a defibrillator applies an electrical current to your chest. This is usually done under general anaesthetic you are put to sleep. Catheter ablation is an extremely effective procedure that produces small scars in your heart that block the electrical signal travelling around the abnormal electrical circuit.
It prevents further episodes of SVT. A catheter a thin, soft wire is guided through one of your veins into your heart, where it records electrical activity. When the precise position of the circuit is found, either heat generated by an electric current or cold cryoablation is transmitted to the catheter tip to destroy a small mass of muscle, producing a small scar. This procedure is usually done under a local anaesthetic the area is numbed , with some sedation.
Home Illnesses and conditions Heart and blood vessels Conditions Supraventricular tachycardia. Supraventricular tachycardia See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About supraventricular tachycardia 2. Symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia 3. Causes of supraventricular tachycardia 4. Diagnosing supraventricular tachycardia 5. Treating supraventricular tachycardia. About supraventricular tachycardia Supraventricular tachycardia SVT is a heart condition featuring episodes of an abnormally fast heart rate.
The heart will suddenly start racing, then stop racing or slow down abruptly. What it means 'Supraventricular' means that the problem occurs in the upper chambers atria of the heart. What happens When the heart beats normally, its muscular walls contract tighten and squeeze to force blood out and around the body. Why it happens SVT is caused by abnormal electrical impulses that start suddenly in the upper chambers of your heart the atria.
Who is affected SVT can occur in anyone at any age, but it often occurs for the first time in children or young adults. Outlook In the vast majority of cases, attacks of SVT are harmless, do not last long and settle on their own without treatment. Symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia If you have supraventricular tachycardia SVT you'll usually feel your heart racing in your chest or throat and a very fast pulse beats per minute.
You may also feel: chest pain dizziness light-headedness fatigue tiredness breathlessness On rare occasions, you may faint because of a drop in blood pressure.
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