SVT (Atrial Flutter, AVNRT, AVRT, AT)

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Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is a term used to describe several types of rapid heart rhythms originating above the ventricles (supraventricular) in the atria or atrioventricular node. These include Atrial Flutter, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT), Atrioventricular Reciprocating Tachycardia (AVRT), and Atrial Tachycardia (AT).

  1. Atrial Flutter: This condition involves a rapid, regular rhythm in the atria caused by a “circuit” in the right atrium. The heart beats at a faster pace than normal, often ranging from 240 to 400 beats per minute. 
  2. AVNRT: This is the most common type of SVT and is caused by an extra pathway in the AV node that causes a reentry circuit, leading to rapid heart rates of 150-250 beats per minute.
  1. AVRT: This is often associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and involves an extra pathway outside the AV node. This additional pathway allows electrical impulses to bypass the AV node and move from the atria to the ventricles faster than usual, causing rapid heart rates.
  2. AT: This involves abnormal electrical activity in the atria that causes the heart to beat rapidly and irregularly.

Management of these conditions typically involves medications to slow the heart rate or convert the rhythm back to normal. In some cases, cardioversion (applying an electric shock to the heart) may be used.

If medications or cardioversion are not effective or suitable, a procedure called catheter ablation may be performed. This involves inserting a catheter into a vein, usually in the groin, and guiding it to the heart. Radiofrequency energy is then used to destroy the area of heart tissue causing the abnormal heart rhythm. This procedure has a high success rate and is typically safe, although there are potential risks which should be discussed with the healthcare provider.