Arrhythmia Supraventricular

Supraventricular arrhythmia is a condition where your heart beats irregularly or too fast, starting from the upper chambers of the heart. While many people experience episodes that last only minutes, understanding this condition and learning how to manage it can help you maintain a good quality of life.

Table of contents

• What is Supraventricular Arrhythmia?
• Types of Supraventricular Arrhythmia
• Symptoms and How It Feels
• Causes and Risk Factors
• Possible Complications
• How Doctors Diagnose the Condition
• Treatment Options
• Living with Supraventricular Arrhythmia

What is Supraventricular Arrhythmia?

Supraventricular arrhythmia is an irregular heart rhythm that begins above the heart’s lower chambers, called the ventricles. Most often, these irregular rhythms start in the upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria.^[1]

When you have this condition, your heart may beat too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. The most common form causes the heart to beat too fast, which doctors call supraventricular tachycardia or SVT. A typical heart beats about 60 to 100 times per minute, but during an episode of SVT, your heart may beat 150 to 220 times per minute.^[1]

• Atria (upper heart chambers)
• Atrioventricular node
• Heart’s electrical system

The condition happens because of problems with the cells that create electrical signals in your heart. These electrical signals normally control your heart rate, but when they malfunction, your heart can start beating irregularly.^[3]

Types of Supraventricular Arrhythmia

Supraventricular arrhythmias include several different types of irregular heart rhythms. Understanding which type you have helps your doctor choose the best treatment.^[1]

The most common types include:^[1][4]

• Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) – This is the most common type of supraventricular tachycardia
• Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) – The second most common type, often seen in younger people
• Atrial tachycardia – More commonly seen in people who have heart disease
• Atrial fibrillation – The most common heart arrhythmia in the United States, where the atria beat faster than usual^[3]
• Atrial flutter – Happens when electrical signals cause the heart to beat quickly or irregularly^[3]
• Premature atrial contractions (PACs)

Other less common types include sinus nodal reentrant tachycardia (SNRT), inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST), multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT), junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET), and nonparoxysmal junctional tachycardia (NPJT).^[1]

Symptoms and How It Feels

Many people with supraventricular arrhythmia don’t have any symptoms at all. However, when symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe.^[4]

The main symptom is a very fast heartbeat that may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. The fast heartbeat may come and go suddenly. You might not experience symptoms all the time – you could go weeks without any problems.^[1][6]

Common symptoms include:^[1][4][6]

• Pounding or fluttering feelings in your chest (palpitations)
• Feeling short of breath
• Chest pain
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Feeling tired
• Sweating
• Passing out or fainting
• A pounding feeling in your neck

Some people may feel that their heart is beating too fast or that it’s adding extra beats. Others might experience a sensation like their heart is skipping beats.^[3]

Causes and Risk Factors

Supraventricular arrhythmia is caused by problems with your heart’s electrical signals or circuitry. The electrical system that normally controls your heartbeat develops issues that cause irregular rhythms.^[4]

For some people, certain triggers can bring on symptoms. Common triggers include:^[4][5][6]

• Stress (physical or emotional)
• Caffeine in coffee, chocolate, and some sodas and teas
• Alcohol
• Cigarette smoke and tobacco products
• Physical activity or exercise
• Lack of sleep
• Dehydration
• Certain medications, such as beta-agonists for asthma
• Stimulants

Several factors can increase your risk of developing supraventricular arrhythmia:^[4][6]

• Being female – SVT affects women about twice as often as men
• Having anxiety
• Drinking more alcohol or caffeine than the suggested limit
• Using tobacco products
• Doing hard physical training
• Having lung disease, heart issues, thyroid disease, or diabetes
• Being pregnant
• Having heart failure or other heart conditions

Both children and adults can develop supraventricular arrhythmia. The condition is most common in infants and children, but certain types affect primarily middle-aged people.^[6]

Possible Complications

In most cases, supraventricular arrhythmia isn’t life-threatening. However, it can lead to serious complications, especially in people with other heart problems.^[4]

When your heart beats too quickly, there isn’t enough time for your heart chambers to fill with blood before they squeeze. This makes it hard for your heart to send enough blood to your body.^[4]

Possible complications include:^[4]

• Heart failure
• Unconsciousness
• Cardiac arrest

How Doctors Diagnose the Condition

To diagnose supraventricular arrhythmia, your doctor will start with a physical exam. They will listen to your heart, take your blood pressure, and ask about your symptoms, health habits, and medical history.^[4][9]

The most common test is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which is a quick test that checks your heartbeat using sticky patches placed on your chest and sometimes on your arms or legs. This test shows how fast or slow your heart is beating.^[9]

Because irregular heartbeats may not happen during your doctor’s visit, you might need to wear a heart monitor for a longer period. Different types of monitors include:^[4][9]

• Holter monitor – A portable ECG device worn for 1 to 2 days to record your heart’s activity during daily activities
• Event recorder – Similar to a Holter monitor but worn for about 30 days. You push a button when you feel symptoms, and some devices automatically record when an irregular heartbeat occurs
• Implantable loop recorder – A device that records your heartbeat continuously for up to three years

Other tests your doctor might order include:^[6][9]

• Blood tests to check for thyroid problems or other causes of a fast heartbeat
• Echocardiogram – Uses sound waves to create images of your beating heart and show how blood flows
• Exercise stress test – To see if physical activity triggers your arrhythmia
• A test to check your thyroid function
• A tilt table test to see if your heartbeat changes when you move from lying down to standing up

Treatment Options

Many people with supraventricular arrhythmia don’t need treatment, especially if symptoms are mild or infrequent. However, when treatment is needed, several options are available.^[1][4]

At-Home Treatments

For mild episodes, you can try simple techniques first:^[4]

• Lie down
• Put an ice-cold towel on your face
• Cough
• Hold your breath
• Splash yourself with ice water

These actions are called vagal maneuvers, which help release chemicals that naturally slow down your heartbeat.^[6]

Medications

Several medicines can help slow down your heart rate and control symptoms. Your doctor might prescribe beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, which work best when taken as directed – usually every day.^[4][15]

Medical Procedures

For more severe cases, your doctor might recommend:^[6]

• Carotid sinus massage – A technique to release chemicals that slow down your heartbeat naturally
• Cardioversion – Uses an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm
• Catheter ablation – A procedure that burns away the part of your heart responsible for the irregular rhythm. This has become an increasingly popular treatment option when medications are not effective^[1]

Some people may need a device implanted to control their heartbeat.^[1]

Living with Supraventricular Arrhythmia

Making lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of episodes. You play an important role in your own health care, so it’s essential to understand your condition and know what triggers your symptoms.^[15]

Diet and Nutrition

A heart-healthy diet can make a significant difference. Focus on eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Try to reach and maintain a healthy weight, as extra weight puts strain on your heart.^[15][17]

Reduce or avoid foods and drinks that might trigger episodes:^[15]

• Alcohol
• Caffeine in coffee, chocolate, and some sodas and teas
• Spicy foods
• Very cold drinks

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise is important for keeping your heart strong, but you need to be careful about the type and intensity. Ask your doctor which exercises are safe for you. Consider exercising with a friend in case you have an episode.^[15][17]

Start any new exercise program slowly and add more time and effort only when your heart is ready. Learn how to check your pulse while you work out, and know what a normal pulse rate is for you. Avoid high-intensity workouts and contact sports, especially if you have an implantable device.^[15][17]

Managing Stress

Stress is a common trigger for episodes, so finding ways to manage it is essential. Try these relaxation techniques:^[15][17]

• Meditate for 5 to 10 minutes throughout the day
• Take a yoga class
• Practice deep breathing exercises
• Unwind with a warm bath or listen to soothing music
• Get a massage

Consider quieting your phone or changing alarm tones to prevent sudden stressors or loud noises. Ask others in your life to help you maintain a sense of calm.^[17]

Sleep and Rest

Getting quality sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy heart rhythm. Aim for seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night and establish a consistent bedtime routine. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, and limit screen time before bed.^[15][19]

Things to Avoid

Stay away from:^[15]

• Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
• Diet pills
• Energy pills
• Herbal supplements (without checking with your doctor first)
• Illegal drugs
• Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines (without your doctor’s approval)

Daily Management Tips

Keep a diary to help identify your triggers. Write down when your heart goes out of rhythm and what you were doing at the time.^[15]

Learn how to check your pulse and carry a notebook to track changes so you can report them to your doctor. If you feel faint or dizzy, or notice your arrhythmia acting up, lie down immediately and report the symptoms to your doctor.^[17]

Have a plan in place for when issues arise. Let others around you know the plan and make sure everyone knows to call emergency services if it’s serious. Consider investing in an AED (automated external defibrillator) device or asking a family member to learn CPR.^[17]

If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, carry a medical device ID card or wear a bracelet or necklace with information about your condition and doctor in case of emergency.^[17]

Stay connected with your healthcare team through regular check-ins. They can monitor your condition, adjust treatments as needed, and provide guidance tailored to your unique needs.^[19]