Supraventricular tachycardia

This is when a fast heart rate is from the atriums. This occurs when the electrical impulses that control the heart rate are disrupted. In a normal heart the sinoatrial node (the heart's natural pacemaker that sends out electric impulses to make the heart beat) controls the heart rate. Supraventricular tachycardia is caused by rapid electrical impulses in the upper part of the heart causing a fast heart rate of 140 to 180 beats a minute.

Supraventricular tachycardia can:

Be caused by an inherited abnormality in the paths the electrical impulses take in the heart
Be triggered by alcohol, caffeine or exercise
Occur for no obvious reason; and
Be a result of prolonged heart valve disease.
Symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia normally develop suddenly and can last from a few seconds to many hours. Symptoms include:
Palpitations
Chest pain
Feeling light-headed or fainting; and
Being short of breath.

If you find that certain things trigger palpitations, it is a good idea to try to avoid them.

Supraventricular tachycardia is diagnosed by an ECG (electrocardiogram). This can either be a one-off check or a continuous recording for 24 hours. If the ECG cannot identify the problem, a specialised cardiologist may need to carry out electrophysiological studies.

Supraventricular tachycardia can be treated with the following medication.

Betablockers
Digoxin
Amiodarone

If medication cannot control the symptoms, a procedure called radiofrequency ablation can be carried out.