Diagnosis
To diagnose supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a healthcare professional examines you and listens to your heart. A member of your care team takes your blood pressure. You are usually asked questions about your symptoms, health habits and medical history.
Tests
Tests to diagnose supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) may include:
- Blood tests. A sample of blood is taken to check for other causes of a fast heartbeat, such as thyroid disease.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This quick test checks the heartbeat. Sticky patches, called electrodes, attach to the chest and sometimes to the arms or legs. An ECG shows how fast or how slow the heart is beating. Some personal devices, such as smartwatches, can do ECGs. Ask your care team if this is an option for you.
- Holter monitor. This portable ECG device is worn for 1 to 2 days to record the heart's activity during daily activities. It can spot irregular heartbeats that aren't found during a regular ECG.
- Event recorder. This device is like a Holter monitor, but it records only at certain times for a few minutes at a time. It's typically worn for about 30 days. You usually push a button when you feel symptoms. Some devices automatically record when an irregular heartbeat occurs.
- Implantable loop recorder. This device records the heartbeat continuously for up to three years. It's also called a cardiac event recorder. It shows how the heart is beating during daily activities.
- Echocardiogram. Sound waves are used to create images of the beating heart. This test can show how blood flows through the heart and heart valves.
Other tests that may be done to diagnose SVT include:
- Exercise stress test. Exercise may trigger or worsen supraventricular tachycardia. During a stress test, you usually exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle while the heart activity is checked. If you can't exercise, you may be given medicine that increases the heart rate like exercise does. Sometimes an echocardiogram is done during a stress test.
- Tilt table test. This test may be done to learn if a fast heartbeat leads to fainting. Your heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure are checked while you lie flat on a table. Then, under careful supervision, the table is tilted to a standing position. A member of your care team watches how your heart and nervous system respond to the changes in position.
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Electrophysiological (EP) study. This test helps show where faulty heart signals start in the heart. An EP study is mostly used to diagnose some specific types of tachycardias and irregular heartbeats.
During this test, a doctor guides one or more flexible tubes through a blood vessel, usually in the groin, to various areas in the heart. Sensors on the tips of the tubes record the heart's electrical signals.
Treatment
Most people with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) don't need treatment. If the very fast heartbeat happens often or lasts for a long time, your care team may suggest treatment.
Treatment for SVT may include:
- Carotid sinus massage. The carotid arteries are the two main blood vessels that send blood to the head and brain. There is one on each side of the neck. During carotid sinus massage, a healthcare professional gently presses on a specific area of the neck by the carotid artery. This makes the body release chemicals that slow the heart rate. Carotid massage should only be done by an experienced healthcare professional. Do not do carotid sinus massage on your own.
- Vagal maneuvers. Simple but specific actions such as coughing, bearing down as if passing stool or putting an ice pack on the face can help slow down the heart rate. These actions affect the vagus nerve, which helps control the heartbeat.
- Medicines. If SVT happens frequently, medicines may be given to control the heart rate or reset the heart rhythm. It's very important to take the medicine exactly as directed in order to reduce complications.
- Cardioversion. Paddles or patches on the chest deliver shocks that reset the heart rhythm. This treatment is generally used when emergency care is needed or when vagal maneuvers and medicines don't work. It's also possible to do cardioversion with medicines.
- Catheter ablation. In this treatment, a doctor inserts one or more thin, flexible tubes called catheters through a blood vessel, usually in the groin. Sensors on the tip of the catheter use heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in the heart. The scars block faulty heart signals that cause the irregular heartbeat.
- Pacemaker. Rarely, a small device called a pacemaker is needed to help the heart to beat. It stimulates the heart as needed to keep it beating regularly. A pacemaker is placed under the skin near the collarbone in a minor surgery. Wires connect the device to the heart.
Lifestyle and home remedies
If you have supraventricular tachycardia, a heart-healthy lifestyle is an important part of your treatment plan.
Try these tips to keep the heart healthy:
- Don't smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke and can't quit, talk to your care team about programs or treatments that can help.
- Eat healthy foods. Choose fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit salt and saturated fats.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. Talk to your healthcare team about the amount and type of exercise that's best for you.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases the risk of heart disease. Ask your healthcare team what weight is best for you.
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Make lifestyle changes and take medicines as directed. Get regular health checkups.
- Manage stress. Find ways to help reduce emotional stress. Practicing mindfulness and joining a support group are some ways to reduce and control stress. If you have anxiety or depression, talk to your care team about strategies to help.
- Get good sleep. Poor sleep may increase the risk of heart disease and other health conditions. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
Alternative medicine
Stress-relief techniques, such as meditation and yoga, might help slow the heartbeat.
Preparing for your appointment
If you have an unusually fast heartbeat, make an appointment for a health checkup. If a very fast heartbeat lasts longer than a few minutes, get medical care right away.
You may be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions, called a cardiologist. You also might see a doctor trained in heart rhythm disorders, called an electrophysiologist.
Appointments can be brief. Because there's often a lot to discuss, it's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get started.
What you can do
When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as avoid foods or drinks. You may need to do this if your care team orders any tests.
Make a list ahead of time that you can share with your healthcare team. Your list should include:
- Any symptoms, including those that may seem unrelated to your heart.
- Important personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- All medicines that you take. Include vitamins, supplements and medicines bought with and without a prescription. Also include the dosages.
- Questions to ask your care team.
For supraventricular tachycardia, basic questions to ask your healthcare professional include:
- What is the likely cause of my fast heart rate?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- What's the most appropriate treatment?
- What are the risks of SVT?
- How often do I need health checkups?
- How do other conditions I have or medicines I take affect my heartbeat?
- Do I need to avoid or stop doing any activities?
- Is there any printed information that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask additional questions.
What to expect from your doctor
Your healthcare team is likely to ask you many questions. Being ready to answer them may save time to go over any details you want to spend more time on. Your care team may ask:
- When did the symptoms start?
- How often do you have a fast heartbeat?
- How long does the fast heartbeat last?
- Does anything, such as exercise, stress or caffeine, make the symptoms worse?
- Does anyone in your family have heart disease or a history of irregular heartbeats?
- Has anyone in your family had sudden cardiac arrest or died suddenly?
- Do you smoke or have you ever smoked?
- How much alcohol or caffeine do you use, if any?
- What medicines do you take?
- Do you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or other conditions that may affect your heart health?