It occurs with fever, excitement and exercise, and no treatment is needed. In those cases the tachycardia goes away when the disease is treated. The fast heart rate involves both the heart's upper and lower chambers. This isn't a life-threatening problem for most children and adolescents. For many, it doesn't require medical therapy.
Treatment is considered if episodes are prolonged or frequent.
The treatment of SVT usually has two parts. The approach to preventing recurrences depends on the child's age. It may be necessary, especially in young infants, for the child to enter the hospital for treatment and special studies. Sometimes a fast heart rhythm can be stopped by simple procedures, such as gagging or placing ice on the face. On rare occasions it's necessary to stop SVT by applying a small electrical shock to the chest wall.