Supraventricular tachycardia

Abstract

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common cardiac rhythm disturbance; it usually presents with recurrent episodes of tachycardia, which often increase in frequency and severity with time. • Although SVT is usually not life-threatening, many patients suffer recurrent symptoms that have a major impact on their quality of life. The uncertain and sporadic nature of episodes of tachycardia can cause considerable anxiety - many patients curtail their lifestyle as a result, and many prefer curative treatment. • SVT often terminates before presentation, and episodes may be erroneously attributed to anxiety. • Sudden-onset, rapid, regular palpitations characterise SVT and, in most patients, a ..