Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

Overview Of Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) is a type of abnormal heart rhythm that originates above the heart's ventricles, typically in the atria or atrioventricular node. It is characterized by episodes of rapid heart rate, often between 150 and 220 beats per minute, which begin and end suddenly. These episodes can last from a few seconds to several hours and may occur without warning.

Causes of Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

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• Reentrant Circuit: PSVT often occurs due to a reentrant circuit in the electrical system of the heart, where an electrical impulse moves in a loop, causing the heart to beat rapidly. This is often seen in atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) or atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT). -
• Accessory Pathways: An extra electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles, often congenital, can create a circuit that leads to PSVT. This is commonly associated with conditions like Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. -
• Triggers: Episodes can be triggered by factors such as caffeine, alcohol, emotional stress, or medications. Certain heart conditions can also increase susceptibility to PSVT.

Risk Factors of Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

• - Family History: A family history of PSVT or other heart arrhythmias can increase the risk of developing PSVT. - Heart Conditions: Individuals with congenital heart defects or structural heart conditions, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, have a higher risk of PSVT. - Use of Stimulants: Consuming stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, or certain medications can increase the risk of triggering an episode of PSVT. - Increased Age: Older adults may have a higher incidence of PSVT due to changes in the heart's electrical system with age.

Prevention of Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

• - Avoid Triggers: Limiting or avoiding known triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and stress can help prevent episodes of PSVT. - Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can help reduce the risk of arrhythmias. - Medications: For those with frequent or severe PSVT, preventive medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers may be prescribed.

Prognosis of Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

• The prognosis for PSVT is generally good with appropriate treatment. Most individuals experience significant symptom relief, and many can live normal lives. In cases where episodes are frequent or severe, treatments like catheter ablation offer a high success rate for long-term management.

Complications of Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

• - Heart Failure: Prolonged episodes of rapid heart rate, especially when the heart rate exceeds 200 beats per minute, can lead to a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, potentially causing heart failure. - Stroke: While uncommon, prolonged PSVT or its association with other arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. - Fainting or Syncope: In severe cases, a rapid heart rate can cause the blood pressure to drop, leading to fainting or loss of consciousness.

Related Diseases of Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

• - Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation, another type of arrhythmia, can sometimes be related to PSVT, particularly in individuals with underlying heart conditions. - Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: This congenital heart condition, which involves an extra electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles, is often associated with PSVT. - Ventricular Tachycardia: Although less common, PSVT may progress to other forms of arrhythmia, including ventricular tachycardia, particularly in those with structural heart disease.

Treatment of Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

- **Vagal Maneuvers**: Simple techniques such as coughing, bearing down, or applying ice to the face can sometimes help slow the heart rate and stop an episode of PSVT. - **Medications**: Drugs like adenosine, calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem), or beta-blockers may be used to control heart rate and restore normal rhythm during an episode. - **Cardioversion**: In some cases, electrical cardioversion may be used to reset the heart’s rhythm if medications or vagal maneuvers do not work. - **Catheter Ablation**: For recurrent or severe cases, a procedure known as catheter ablation can be performed to destroy the abnormal electrical pathway causing PSVT, offering a potential long-term solution.