Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
Key points
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a rapid heart rate, which occurs from time to time (paroxysmal).
- Normally, the chambers of the heart (atria and ventricles) contract in a coordinated manner.
- Note: Symptoms may start and stop suddenly, and can last for a few minutes or several hours.
- An examination during a PSVT epsiode detects a regular, rapid heart rate.
Alternative names
PSVT; Supraventricular tachycardia
Definition
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a rapid heart rate, which occurs from time to time (paroxysmal). PSVT starts with events taking place above the ventricles.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Normally, the chambers of the heart (atria and ventricles) contract in a coordinated manner. The contractions are caused by an electrical signal that begins in the sinoatrial node (also called the sinus node or SA node).
The signal is conducted through the atria (the upper heart chambers) and stimulates the atria to contract. The electrical signal then passes through the atrioventricular node (AV node), and travels through the ventricles (the larger, lower chambers), stimulating them to contract.
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) can be initiated in the SA node; in the atria or the atrial conduction pathways; or in the AV node. It occurs most often in young people and infants.
Risks include excessive Smoking, caffeine, and alcohol use. PSVT can occur with digitalis toxicity. It can be a form of a re-entry tachycardia (an electrical current is caught in a reentrant loop, excessively stimulating the heart), as in the case of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
Symptoms
- Palpitations (a sensation of feeling the heart beat)
- Rapid pulse
- Anxiety, feeling of impending doom
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Fainting
- Dizziness
Note: Symptoms may start and stop suddenly, and can last for a few minutes or several hours. A PSVT lasting more than 50% of the day is considered an incessant PSVT.
Signs and tests
An examination during a PSVT epsiode detects a regular, rapid heart rate. The heart rate may be 150 to 250 beats per minute (bpm) (in children the heart rate tends to be very high). There may be signs of poor perfusion (blood circulation) such as light-headedness. Between episodes of PSVT, the heart rate is normal (60 to 100 bpm).
- An ECG during symptoms shows PSVT.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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