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Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
What Is Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)?
Supraventricular tachycardia is a rapid heart rhythm of the upper heart chambers.
In supraventricular tachycardia electrical signals travel from the upper chambers of the heart to the lower chambers of the heart.
In normal rhythm, the electrical impulse starts in the upper heart chambers and then travels through the A-V node, which is like a staircase connecting the top and bottom floors of a building.
The electrical signal in supraventricular tachycardia starts in the upper chamber and then travels down the A-V node connecting the top and bottom chambers. When the lower heart chamber is activated by the electrical signal reaching it, the lower chamber beats and pumps blood to the rest of the body. The heart rate during the supraventricular tachycardia is the rate that the lower heart chamber beats.
Lasting effects of supraventricular tachycardia
If an episode of SVT lasts for several hours, there may be damanging effects. There may be a significant decrease in the ability of the heart to pump blood throughout the body during the episode of SVT. The consequences of decreased blood being pumped through the body varies based on your overall condition, degree of hydration, and specific medical conditions such as heart disease.
- Decresed ability of the heart to pump blood throughout the body
- Impairment of kidney function
- Possibility of a heart attack with pre-existing artery problems
Related heart conditions
There are several heart conditions and medical conditions that are associated with SVTs such as atrial tachycardias. These include:
- Congenital heart disease
- Prior heart surgery
- Heart valve problems
Clinical Trials for Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rhythm within the upper heart chambers. Explore the symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia today.
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