Supraventricular tachycardia

SVT is a a name given to a group of abnormal heart rhythms, which cause an spontaneous, abnormal, fast, regular heartbeat, which arises electrically from the upper chambers of the heart.

The abnormal electrical circuits in the atria of the heart, which cause this set of problems, can frequently be found by a test, called electrophysiological studies (EPS).

Signs and symptoms related to this arrhythmia, most commonly include palpitations or chest discomfort, but may also include shock, low blood pressure, congestive cardiac failure, shortness of breath, and/or fainting or blackouts.

The diagnosis is usually made with an electrocardiograph (ECG), recorded at the time of the arrhythmia. The treatment, depending on the type of SVT, can range from medications, to a procedure called EPS and radiofrequency ablation, which maps, or finds the mechanism of the abnormal heart rhythm, and removes the abnormal circuit, leading to a cure.