Supraventricular tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia - Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Heart and blood vessels Conditions Supraventricular tachycardia Supraventricular tachycardia Supraventricular tachycardia is a condition where the heartbeat is abnormally fast. It can happen to anyone at any age and often occurs for the first time in children or young adults. In most cases, supraventricular tachycardia is harmless. It doesnt usually last long and can settle without treatment. Why it happens Some people are born with an abnormality of the hearts natural wiring or conduction system. This allows a short circuit to develop. Under certain circumstances, this allows the heart to race very fast. One example of this is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome . This is where theres an abnormal electrical connection between the: atria (upper heart chambers), and the ventricles (lower heart chambers) Some people with this condition can develop supraventricular tachycardias. This is because of this short circuit. Symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia If you have supraventricular tachycardia, youll usually feel your heart racing in your chest or throat. The heart rate is usually between 140 to 180 beats per minute but can be as high as 250. A normal heartbeat should be 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest. During a supraventricular tachycardia, the heart muscle contracts very fast. This means that it cannot relax properly between contractions to fill with blood. This reduces the amount of blood being pumped around the body. Therefore, 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. These symptoms vary in length and frequency. Diagnosing supraventricular tachycardia If your doctor thinks that you might have supraventricular tachycardia, youll be referred for tests. These can include an: electrocardiogram (ECG) ambulatory heart monitor echocardiogram Causes of supraventricular tachycardia Common causes of supraventricular tachycardia in people at risk of the condition include: stress anxiety a change in posture some medications alcohol caffeine smoking recreational drugs Treating supraventricular tachycardia The treatment for supraventricular tachycardia varies from person to person. It depends on: the type of supraventricular tachycardia you have your symptoms treatment of any underlying cause your age your overall health Types of treatment Supraventricular tachycardia treatments focus on controlling the rate and rhythm of the heart. They include: medication, like beta blockers and other anti-arrhythmic drugs electric shock treatment (DC cardioversion) in an urgent case radiofrequency ablation Source: Scottish Government - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 21 November 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852