Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular Tachycardia is a type of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) in which your heart suddenly beats much faster than normal around 150-220 times a minute. Usually, SVT is not a serious condition, but some people may need medical attention. 

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What Causes Supraventricular Tachycardia?

Supraventricular Tachycardia occurs when the electrical system that controls the heart rhythm doesn’t function properly. As a result, the heartbeat becomes abnormal, with a sudden increase in beats followed by an abrupt slowdown. The increase in heart rate can occur both while resting and during exercise. 

What Can Trigger Your Symptoms?

High BP, or Hypertension, develops when the force of blood against your arterial walls remains high, placing strain on vital organs and leading to long-term health risks. Other causes include:

  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Sleep Apnoea
  • Alcohol and caffeines
  • Dehydration
  • Intense Physical Activity

Symptoms of SVT: What Does it Feel Like?

SVT typically causes a sudden increase in heart rate, which can last from a few minutes to several hours. The frequency of episodes varies from person to person; some may experience them multiple times a day, while others have them only occasionally.

In addition to the rapid heartbeat, some people may experience the following symptoms:

  • A pounding or fluttering feeling in the chest, known as palpitations
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Extreme fatigue or tiredness

SVT Symptoms in Children

In infants and young children, symptoms are not very prominent. However, some common signs may include:

  • Sweating
  • Poor feeding
  • Rapid pulse and a change in skin color

Types of Supraventricular Tachycardia

  • Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs)
  • Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
  • Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT)
  • Atrioventricular Reciprocating Tachycardia (AVRT) 
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Atria Flutter

What are the Risk Factors?

Several factors can increase the risk of SVT, such as:

  • Stress or anxiety can trigger episodes
  • Women are at greater risk of developing SVT, especially during pregnancy
  • Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol can act as a trigger
  • Strenuous exercise can increase the SVT risk in some individuals
  • Underlying Health Conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, thyroid disorders, or diabetes, can lead to SVT.

What are the Complications?

If left untreated over the long term, SVT may lead to serious complications, including:

  • Heart failure
  • Loss of Consciousness (fainting)
  • Cardiac Arrest
  • Stroke

Our Specialists’ Diagnostic Approach to SVT

To diagnose and confirm SVT, our specialists perform a physical exam, note your symptoms, and take your medical history. They may perform an Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), Echocardiogram, or Exercise Stress Test. Based on your symptoms and your doctor’s findings, you may also need extended heart monitoring through a Holter Monitor or Event Recorder. 

Treatment for Supraventricular Tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia is rarely life-threatening. However, if the symptoms become severe or frequent, treatment in a hospital may be necessary. Treatment options for SVT may include:

At-home Treatments

If you feel SVT symptoms, the following simple techniques may help slow your heart rate and provide quick relief:

  • Lie down and relax
  • Apply an ice-cold towel to your face
  • Hold your breath and bear down, as if straining
  • Cough forcefully, which sometimes interrupts the episode and helps restore normal rhythm

Please note: If these home tips don’t provide relief within a few minutes or if your symptoms are severe, seek immediate medical attention right away.

Medicines

For frequent SVT episodes, medications may be needed to control the heart rate and manage the rhythm. Medicines also help reduce the risk of complications.

Cardioversion

A small electric shock is applied to the chest to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. This option is often used when emergency care is needed.

Catheter Ablation

A doctor inserts thin, flexible tubes called catheters into a blood vessel, usually in the groin area. Sensors on the tips of the catheters use heat or cold energy to make small, precise scars in the heart. These scars act as barriers, interrupting the abnormal electrical signals responsible for the irregular heart rhythm.

Pacemaker

For some patients, though uncommonly, a pacemaker may be recommended. This small device is implanted just beneath the skin, typically near the collarbone, in a minor surgical procedure. Thin wires link the pacemaker to the heart, allowing it to help maintain a steady, regulated heartbeat.

Lifestyle Modifications to Manage SVT

A heart-healthy lifestyle plays an important role in managing SVT symptoms. Besides treating the condition through medicines or procedures, our cardiologists also provide comprehensive lifestyle guidance to patients to support quick and long-term recovery. Common recommendations include:

  • Quit smoking
  • Eat healthy, well-balanced foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Limit salt and saturated fats
  • Get regular exercise – you can consult your healthcare team to help choose the right type and duration of exercise for you
  • Manage stress
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes under control

Why Choose The National Heart Clinic?

Our experienced cardiology specialists provide comprehensive assessments, advanced diagnostics, and personalised treatment plans to help you with your supraventricular tachycardia-related health concerns. We offer:

  • Flexible appointments
  • Consultant-led cardiac care
  • Comprehensive diagnostics with state-of-the-art facilities

Book a Private Consultation Today

Book an appointment with a cardiac consultant at The National Heart Clinic, Harley Street, London, and get expert assessment, accurate diagnosis, and a personalised treatment plan to manage your symptoms effectively.

FAQs

An SVT episode often begins and ends suddenly, causing your heart to race well above its normal rate, sometimes over 150 beats per minute. Episodes can last for a few seconds to several hours. Some people may feel palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness, or shortness of breath during an episode, while others may have no noticeable symptoms at all.

Yes, many people live a normal life with SVT by managing their symptoms through lifestyle changes, taking prescribed medication, or through successful treatments like catheter ablation, cardioversion, or pacemaker implantation.

You should see your doctor if your SVT symptoms get worse or more frequent. Having chest pain, breathlessness, or feeling unusually tired, dizzy, or fainting may require immediate medical attention.

When visiting your doctor for SVT, ask about the cause of your symptoms, potential risks or complications, available treatment options, recommended lifestyle changes, and home tips for quick relief.

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