Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an abnormally fast heartbeat. It’s a general term that includes many types of heart arrhythmias.

A normal heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute is called a tachycardia. Heart rates over 100 beats per minute that occur above the ventricles in the atria are known as supraventricular tachycardia.

Things that may lead to SVT include:

• Heart failure
• Thyroid disease
• Heart disease
• Chronic lung disease
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Consuming too much caffeine
• Drug use, such as cocaine and methamphetamines
• Certain medications, including asthma medications and over-the-counter cold and allergy drugs
• Surgery
• Pregnancy
• Certain health conditions, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia may include:

• A fluttering in your chest
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Sweating
• A pounding sensation in the neck
• Syncope or near fainting

Diagnosis

To diagnose supraventricular tachycardia, a Deborah Specialty Physician will test for conditions that may trigger SVT, such as heart disease or a problem with the thyroid gland. The doctor may also perform tests specific to arrhythmia, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Holter monitor
• Event monitor
• Echocardiogram
• Implantable loop recorder