Fluctuating Heart Rate: Understanding Causes and Remedies
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, that originates from the top chamber of the heart. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including a sudden racing heartbeat, fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest or neck, light-headedness, dizziness, fainting or near fainting, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, chest pain, excessive sweating, and feeling sick. In infants and children, symptoms may also include pale skin and reduced appetite [1].
SVT can be triggered by various factors, such as anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, and the use of certain prescription and recreational drugs. Structural or electrical disorders of the heart, a lack of sleep, and stress can also contribute to changes in heart rate [1].
Managing stress is important in reducing the risk of developing arrhythmia. Stress can cause a range of physical and mental symptoms, including worry, feeling overwhelmed, headaches, increased heart rate, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and more [1].
If a person experiences a sudden increase in heart rate due to SVT or any other arrhythmia, and it feels irregular, they experience high spikes in their heart rate, or they notice any other symptoms alongside the high heart rate, they should seek medical attention [1]. Without treatment, arrhythmia can lead to cardiac arrest, heart failure, stroke, and other complications [1].
Treatment options vary by the specific type of SVT and patient age. Vagal maneuvers (physical actions to slow the heart rate), medications like digoxin or sotalol, especially in fetal cases, and catheter ablation, which is the most effective long-term cure for adults, are common treatments [1][2][4].
In fetal SVT, pharmacological treatment with drugs such as digoxin and sotalol can restore normal heart rhythm and improve prognosis without necessarily requiring early delivery [2]. For adults, catheter ablation is a frequently used procedure to permanently eliminate the reentrant circuit causing SVT [4][5].
In summary, SVT presents with rapid heartbeat and associated symptoms like dizziness and chest discomfort, while treatments range from lifestyle and maneuvers to medications and catheter ablation depending on patient factors and SVT type [1][2][4][5]. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of SVT to prevent potential complications.
References: [1] American Heart Association. (2021). Supraventricular Tachycardia. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/supraventricular-tachycardia [2] UpToDate. (2021). Fetal supraventricular tachycardia. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fetal-supraventricular-tachycardia [3] UpToDate. (2021). Adult supraventricular tachycardia. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/adult-supraventricular-tachycardia [4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Supraventricular tachycardia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/supraventricular-tachycardia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354926 [5] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16165-catheter-ablation-for-atrial-fibrillation
- In addition to SVT, other heart diseases such as atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and atrial flutter can cause similar symptoms, requiring prompt medical attention.
- Patients with preexisting health-and-wellness conditions like cancer, bipolar, multiple sclerosis, or other heart diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, may have an increased risk of developing arrhythmia, highlighting the importance of regular medical check-ups and preventive measures.
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can exacerbate arrhythmia, emphasizing the need for a balanced diet and proper hydration for cardiovascular health.
- Predictive science may help medical-conditions researchers understand the underlying mechanisms of arrhythmia, potentially leading to new treatments and improved patient outcomes.
- Mental-health conditions, like anxiety and depression, can contribute to the development of arrhythmia, further underscoring the significance of holistic health-and-wellness care.
- AQ, a newly developed biomarker, may aid doctors in diagnosing arrhythmia more accurately and efficiently, revolutionizing the field of cardiovascular health.
- Due to the potentially life-threatening consequences of arrhythmia, it is crucial to maintain awareness of other heart problems, follow a healthy lifestyle, and seek medical guidance whenever symptoms like heart palpitations, chest discomfort, or dizziness persist.
