Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
Overview
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a condition where your heart suddenly beats much faster than normal. It's not usually serious, but some people may need treatment.
Symptoms
Having supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) means your heart suddenly beats faster. This: usually lasts for a few minutes, but can sometimes last for several hourscan happen several times a day or once a year – it variescan be triggered by caffeine, alcohol or drugs – but often there's no obvious triggercan happen at any age, but often starts for the first time in children and young adults – many people have their first symptoms between 25 and 40 years old You may get no other symptoms, but sometimes people also: have chest pain or discomfortfeel weak, breathless, lightheaded or dizzyfeel tired
Causes
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) happens when the electrical system that controls your heart rhythm is not working properly. This causes your heart to suddenly beat much faster. It can then slow down abruptly. A normal resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). But with SVT your heart rate suddenly goes above 100bpm. This can happen when you're resting or doing exercise.
Treatment
Vagal manoeuvres; Medication (beta-blockers); Catheter ablation.
Prevention
Avoid triggers (caffeine/alcohol); Reduce stress.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: frequent fast heart rate. 999 if: faint/chest pain.