Supraventricular tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia

Also known as: SVT; Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT); AVNRT; Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT); AVRT; Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia; PSVT; Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia; PAT

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) means that from time to time your heart beats very fast for a reason other than exercise, high fever, or stress. Types of SVT include:
  • Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT).
  • Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
During an episode of SVT, the heart’s electrical system doesn't work right, causing the heart to beat very fast. The heart beats at least 100 beats per minute and may reach 300 beats per minute. After treatment or on its own, the heart usually returns to a normal rate of 60 to 100 beats a minute.

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From the experts

Ask an Expert: Is Tachycardia dangerous?

Q: "My 14-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with tachycardia. Both her pediatrician and a specialist have told us that her tachycardia is not dangerous. However, when I hear reports of young people dying of heart arrhythmias, I become frightened all over again. How can I reassure myself that this is not dangerous?"

Recommended Resources

American Heart Association Website