Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) refers to a rapid heart rate that originates in the upper chambers of the heart. This condition occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing it to beat much faster than its normal resting rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. During an SVT episode, the heart rate can suddenly increase, sometimes reaching between 150 and 220 beats per minute. Understanding when to seek medical attention for SVT is important for managing this condition.
Understanding SVT Symptoms
During an SVT episode, individuals experience palpitations, a sudden awareness of a rapid heart rate often described as pounding or fluttering in the chest. Many also report feeling lightheaded or dizzy, which can result from the heart beating too quickly to efficiently pump enough blood to the body.
Shortness of breath may accompany an episode, as the body struggles to get sufficient oxygen. Some individuals might experience chest discomfort. The intensity of these symptoms can vary, with episodes lasting anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Signs Requiring Emergency Care
Certain symptoms during an SVT episode indicate an immediate need for emergency medical attention. If a rapid heartbeat is accompanied by severe chest pain, particularly if it feels crushing or radiates to other areas, call emergency services without delay. Extreme shortness of breath also requires immediate attention.
Fainting or a sudden loss of consciousness during an episode requires urgent medical evaluation. Profound dizziness or significant confusion, indicating the brain is not receiving enough blood flow, also requires immediate hospital care. If an SVT episode lasts an unusually long time, such as more than 30 minutes, and does not respond to previously advised self-management techniques like vagal maneuvers, seek emergency care. These severe manifestations suggest the heart may not be effectively pumping blood, potentially leading to complications.
When to Consult a Doctor
There are scenarios where a hospital visit is not immediately necessary, but medical consultation is still advised. If you experience an SVT episode for the first time, even if symptoms are mild and resolve quickly, consult a healthcare provider. This allows for proper diagnosis and helps rule out other underlying heart conditions.
Individuals who experience recurrent SVT episodes, even if not severe or life-threatening, should seek medical advice. Consulting a doctor is important if symptoms are concerning but do not involve immediate emergency signs, such as persistent mild palpitations, general fatigue, or a frequent racing heart. A healthcare professional can help develop a management plan, which might include lifestyle adjustments, medications, or other treatments to reduce the frequency and impact of future episodes.
What to Expect at the Hospital
Upon arrival at the emergency department for SVT symptoms, medical staff will perform an initial assessment. This includes an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the heart’s electrical activity and confirm the type of abnormal rhythm. Blood tests may also be conducted to check for other factors that could contribute to a rapid heart rate, such as thyroid issues or electrolyte imbalances.
Continuous monitoring of your heart rate and rhythm will be established. Initial treatments might involve vagal maneuvers, such as bearing down as if having a bowel movement, which can sometimes help restore a normal heart rhythm. If these maneuvers are not effective, medications like adenosine may be administered intravenously to slow the heart rate. Other medications, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, may also be used to help regulate the heart’s rhythm.