Supraventricular Tachycardia: Care Instructions

Overview

Having supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) means that sometimes your heart beats abnormally fast. This fast rhythm is caused by changes in the electrical system of your heart. You may feel a fluttering in your chest (palpitations) and have a fast pulse. When your heart is beating fast, you may feel anxious and lightheaded, be short of breath, and feel discomfort in the chest.

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help slow down your heartbeat. Your doctor may also suggest you try vagal maneuvers to help slow your heart rate. Your doctor can show you how to do them.

In some cases, either cardioversion treatment or a procedure called catheter ablation is done to correct SVT.

Your doctor may ask you to wear a small electronic device for 1 or 2 days to monitor your heart. It is called a Holter monitor.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• If your doctor showed you how to do vagal maneuvers, try them when you have an episode. These maneuvers include bearing down or putting an ice-cold, wet towel on your face.
• Monitor your condition by keeping a diary of your SVT episodes. Bring this to your doctor appointments.
  • Write down how fast or slow your heart was beating. To count your heart rate:
    • Gently place 2 fingers of your hand on the inside of your other wrist, below your thumb.
    • Count the beats for 30 seconds.
    • Then, double the result to get the number of beats per minute.
  • Write down if your heart rhythm was regular or irregular.
  • Write down the symptoms you had.
  • Write down the time of day your symptoms occurred.
  • Write down how long your symptoms lasted.
  • Write down what you were doing when your symptoms started.
  • Write down what may have helped your symptoms go away.

• If they trigger episodes, limit or avoid alcohol or drinks with caffeine.
• Do not use over-the-counter decongestants, herbal remedies, diet pills, or "pep" pills, which often contain stimulants.
• Do not use illegal drugs, such as cocaine, ecstasy, or methamphetamine, which can speed up your heart's rhythm.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can make this condition worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Be alert for new or worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, pounding of your heart, or unusual tiredness. If new symptoms develop or your symptoms become worse, call your doctor.