What are the common symptoms of SVT. How is supraventricular tachycardia diagnosed. What treatment options are available for managing SVT. Can lifestyle changes help prevent SVT episodes. How does catheter ablation work for treating SVT. What are the potential complications of untreated SVT. When should you seek emergency medical care for SVT symptoms.

Understanding Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Comprehensive Overview

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a heart rhythm disorder characterized by episodes of rapid heartbeat originating above the ventricles. This condition can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and, in some cases, may require medical intervention. In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of SVT, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Supraventricular Tachycardia

SVT episodes can manifest in various ways, often catching individuals off guard. Are you experiencing any of these common symptoms?

• Rapid heartbeat (usually over 100 beats per minute)
• Palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Chest discomfort or pressure
• Fatigue
• Anxiety

These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, with some episodes lasting only a few minutes while others may persist for hours. It’s crucial to note that while SVT is generally not life-threatening, it can be distressing and may require medical attention, especially if episodes are frequent or prolonged.

Diagnostic Approaches for Supraventricular Tachycardia

Diagnosing SVT involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and specialized tests. Healthcare providers employ various diagnostic tools to accurately identify and characterize the condition.

Initial Evaluation

The diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough discussion of your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will inquire about the frequency, duration, and triggers of your episodes. A physical examination follows, focusing on your heart rate, rhythm, and overall cardiovascular health.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG is a fundamental test in diagnosing SVT. How does an ECG work in detecting SVT? This non-invasive procedure uses sensors attached to your chest and limbs to record the electrical activity of your heart. It provides valuable information about the timing and duration of each phase in your heartbeat, helping to identify any abnormalities in heart rhythm.

Holter Monitor and Event Recorders

For intermittent symptoms, your doctor may recommend wearing a portable ECG device for an extended period. A Holter monitor typically records heart activity for 24 to 48 hours, while event monitors or mobile telemetry devices can be worn for up to 30 days. These devices are particularly useful in capturing sporadic SVT episodes that might not occur during a standard ECG.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart’s structure and function. This test can help identify any underlying structural abnormalities that might contribute to SVT.

Advanced Diagnostic Procedures

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions:

• Stress test: Assesses how your heart responds to physical exertion
• Tilt table test: Evaluates your heart’s response to changes in body position
• Electrophysiological testing and mapping: Provides detailed information about the electrical activity within your heart

These comprehensive diagnostic approaches ensure accurate identification of SVT and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

Treatment Strategies for Managing Supraventricular Tachycardia

The treatment of SVT aims to terminate acute episodes, prevent recurrences, and improve overall quality of life. Treatment options range from simple maneuvers to medical interventions and surgical procedures.

Vagal Maneuvers

Vagal maneuvers are often the first line of defense against SVT episodes. These techniques stimulate the vagus nerve, which can help slow down the heart rate. Common vagal maneuvers include:

• Holding your breath and bearing down (Valsalva maneuver)
• Coughing forcefully
• Immersing your face in ice-cold water

While these methods can be effective, it’s essential to perform them under medical guidance to ensure safety and efficacy.

Medications for SVT Management

Pharmacological interventions play a crucial role in SVT treatment. Which medications are commonly prescribed for SVT? Antiarrhythmic drugs such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and other rhythm-controlling medications may be prescribed. These medications work by regulating heart rate and rhythm, potentially preventing or terminating SVT episodes.

Cardioversion: Restoring Normal Heart Rhythm

In cases where vagal maneuvers and medications prove ineffective, cardioversion may be necessary. This procedure involves delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart to reset its rhythm. Cardioversion can be performed either electrically or through the use of intravenous medications.

Catheter Ablation: A Long-Term Solution

For individuals with frequent or severe SVT episodes, catheter ablation offers a potential long-term solution. This minimally invasive procedure targets and eliminates the source of abnormal electrical signals in the heart. How is catheter ablation performed?

1. Thin, flexible catheters are inserted through blood vessels, typically in the groin area.
2. These catheters are guided to the heart using advanced imaging techniques.
3. Once positioned, the catheters deliver either heat (radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryoablation) energy to create tiny scars in the heart tissue.
4. These scars block the abnormal electrical pathways, effectively preventing SVT episodes.

Catheter ablation has shown high success rates and can significantly improve quality of life for many SVT patients.

Lifestyle Modifications and Prevention Strategies

While medical treatments are often necessary, lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing SVT and reducing the frequency of episodes. Consider implementing the following strategies:

• Stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises)
• Regular exercise (under medical guidance)
• Avoiding known triggers (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, certain medications)
• Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule
• Staying hydrated
• Balanced diet rich in heart-healthy foods

These lifestyle modifications, when combined with appropriate medical interventions, can significantly improve SVT management and overall cardiovascular health.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Outlook

While SVT is generally not life-threatening, it’s essential to understand potential complications and the importance of proper management. Untreated or poorly controlled SVT can lead to:

• Chronic fatigue and reduced quality of life
• Anxiety and depression
• Rare instances of more severe arrhythmias
• Potential for heart failure in cases of prolonged, uncontrolled episodes

With appropriate treatment and management, most individuals with SVT can lead normal, active lives. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are crucial for monitoring the condition and adjusting treatment plans as needed.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

While many SVT episodes can be managed at home or in outpatient settings, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. When should you seek emergency care for SVT symptoms?

• Chest pain or pressure that doesn’t resolve
• Severe shortness of breath
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Prolonged episodes that don’t respond to usual interventions
• Symptoms accompanied by severe dizziness or confusion

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room. Prompt medical attention can prevent potential complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

Advancing Research and Future Treatments for SVT

The field of cardiac electrophysiology continues to evolve, bringing new hope for improved SVT treatments. Ongoing research focuses on several promising areas:

Novel Ablation Techniques

Researchers are exploring advanced ablation technologies that offer greater precision and reduced procedural risks. These include:

• Pulsed field ablation: Uses non-thermal energy to create more precise lesions
• Stereotactic radioablation: Employs targeted radiation to treat arrhythmias non-invasively
• Magnetic resonance-guided ablation: Combines real-time imaging with ablation for enhanced accuracy

Genetic Research

Understanding the genetic basis of SVT may lead to personalized treatment approaches. How might genetic insights impact SVT management? By identifying specific genetic markers associated with SVT, researchers hope to develop targeted therapies and improve risk prediction.

Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis

Machine learning algorithms are being developed to enhance the accuracy and speed of SVT diagnosis. These AI-powered tools can analyze ECG data and other clinical information to assist healthcare providers in making more precise diagnoses and treatment decisions.

Wearable Technology

Advancements in wearable devices are revolutionizing SVT monitoring and management. Smart watches and other wearable ECG devices can provide continuous heart rhythm monitoring, enabling early detection of SVT episodes and facilitating timely interventions.

As research progresses, individuals with SVT can look forward to more effective, personalized, and less invasive treatment options in the future.

Supraventricular tachycardia – Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

To diagnose supraventricular tachycardia, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and your medical history and perform a physical exam. Blood tests are usually done to check for other health conditions that could cause your symptoms, such as thyroid disease.

Your doctor may also order several tests to check your heart health. Tests to diagnosis SVT include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG). During an ECG, sensors (electrodes) that can detect the electrical activity of your heart are attached to your chest and sometimes to your limbs. An ECG measures the timing and duration of each electrical phase in your heartbeat.
• Holter monitor. This portable ECG device can be worn for a day or more to record your heart’s activity as you go about your routine.
• Event monitor or mobile telemetry device. For sporadic episodes of SVT, you may be asked to wear an ECG device for a longer period of time (up to 30 days or until you have an SVT episode or arrhythmia or typical symptoms).
• Echocardiogram. In this noninvasive test, a hand-held device (transducer) placed on your chest uses sound waves to produce images of your heart’s size, structure and motion.
• Implantable loop recorder. This device detects abnormal heart rhythms and is implanted under the skin in the chest area.

If your doctor doesn’t find a heart rhythm problem during those tests, you may need other tests, such as:

• Stress test. For some people, supraventricular tachycardia is triggered or worsened by stress or exercise. During a stress test, you’ll be asked to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle while your heart activity is monitored. If you can’t exercise and your doctor thinks heart disease may be causing your arrhythmia, you may receive a drug to stimulate your heart in a way that’s similar to exercise.
• Tilt table test. Your doctor may recommend this test if you’ve had fainting spells. Your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored as you lie flat on a table. The table is then tilted as if you were standing up. Your doctor observes how your heart and the nervous system that controls it respond to the change in angle.

• Electrophysiological testing and mapping. In this test, doctors thread thin tubes (catheters) tipped with electrodes through your blood vessels to several areas within your heart. Once in place, the electrodes can map the spread of electrical signals through your heart.

  In addition, your cardiologist can use the electrodes to stimulate your heart to beat at rates that may trigger — or stop — the arrhythmia. This test allows your doctor to see the location of the arrhythmia and what may be causing it.

Treatment

Most people with supraventricular tachycardia do not require medical treatment. However, if you have long or frequent episodes, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Carotid sinus massage. A doctor applies gentle pressure on the neck where the carotid artery splits into two branches. During this type of massage, the body releases chemicals that slow the heart rate. Don’t attempt to do this on your own.
• Vagal maneuvers. You may be able to stop an episode of SVT by using particular movements such as holding your breath and straining as you would during a bowel movement, dunking your face in ice water, or coughing. These maneuvers affect the nervous system that controls your heartbeat (vagus nerves), often causing your heart rate to slow.

• Cardioversion. If you’re unable to stop an episode of SVT on your own using vagal maneuvers, your doctor may use cardioversion. Cardioversion may be done using medications or during a heart procedure.

  In the procedure, a shock is delivered to your heart through paddles or patches on your chest. The current affects the electrical signals in your heart and can restore a normal rhythm.

• Medications. If you have frequent episodes of SVT, your doctor may prescribe medication to control your heart rate or restore a normal heart rhythm. It’s very important to take the medication exactly as directed by your doctor in order to reduce complications.
• Catheter ablation. In this procedure, the doctor inserts thin, flexible tubes called catheters through the veins or arteries, usually in the groin. Sensors on the tip of the catheter use heat or cold energy to create tiny scars in your heart to block abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal heartbeat.
• Pacemaker. Rarely, a small, implantable device called a pacemaker is used to stimulate your heart to beat at a normal rate. The pacemaker is placed under the skin near the collarbone in a minor surgical procedure. A wire connects the device to your heart.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Your doctor may suggest that you make lifestyle changes to keep your heart as healthy as possible.

Heart-healthy lifestyle changes include:

• Eat heart-healthy foods. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit salt and saturated fats.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise daily and increase your physical activity.
• Quit smoking. If you smoke and can’t quit on your own, talk to your doctor about strategies or programs to help you break a smoking habit.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing heart disease.
• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. Make lifestyle changes and take medications as prescribed to correct high blood pressure (hypertension) or high cholesterol.
• Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.
• Maintain follow-up care. Take your medications as prescribed and have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Alternative medicine

Some types of complementary and alternative therapies may help reduce stress, which can trigger SVT in some people. Stress-relieving techniques include:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Relaxation techniques

Preparing for your appointment

If you think you may have supraventricular tachycardia, make an appointment with your family doctor. If it’s found early, your treatment may be easier and more effective. You may be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions (cardiologist).

Appointments can be brief. Because there’s often a lot to discuss, it’s a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

• Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there’s anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet. You may need to do this if your doctor orders any blood tests.
• Write down any symptoms you’re having, including any that may seem unrelated to heart arrhythmia.
• Write down key personal information, including a family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes, and any major stresses or recent life changes.
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you’re taking. Include those bought without a prescription.
• Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

For supraventricular tachycardia, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What’s the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What kinds of tests will I need? Do I need to do anything to prepare for these tests?
• What’s the most appropriate treatment?
• Are there any foods or drinks that you recommend I avoid? Is there anything you suggest that I add to my diet?
• What’s an appropriate level of physical activity?
• How often should I be screened for heart disease or other complications of supraventricular tachycardia?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you’re prescribing?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you many questions. Being ready to answer them may save time to go over anything you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

• When did you first begin having symptoms?
• Do you always have symptoms, or do they come and go?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Do you have a family history of abnormal heart rhythms?

Supraventricular tachycardia care at Mayo Clinic

May 28, 2021

Show references

1. Brugada J, et al. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the management of patients with supraventricular tachycardia: The Task Force for the Management of Patients with Supraventricular Tachycardia of The European Society of Cardiology (ESC). European Heart Journal. 2020; doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehz467.
2. Arrhythmia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/arrhythmia. Accessed Feb. 26, 2021.
3. Riggin EA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Feb. 16, 2021.
4. Ferri FF. Supraventricular tachycardia. In: Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2021. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 30, 2021.
5. Zipes DP, et al., eds. Surgery for atrial fibrillation and other SVTs. In: Cardiac Electrophysiology: From Cell to Bedside. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 30, 2021.
6. Saul JP, et al. PACES/HRS expert consensus statement on the use of catheter ablation in children and patients with congenital heart disease. Heart Rhythm. 2016;13(6):251.
7. Chen C, et al. A multicenter randomized controlled trial of a modified Valsalva maneuver for cardioversion of supraventricular tachycardias. American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2019.158371.
8. Dubin AM. Management of supraventricular tachycardia in children. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 31, 2021.
9. Crawford MH, ed. Supraventricular tachycardias. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Cardiology. 5th ed. McGraw Hill; 2017. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed March 31, 2021.
10. Tachycardia. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia–fast-heart-rate#.V-wT5WdTHIU. Accessed March 20, 2021.
11. 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Accessed March 31, 2021.
12. Noseworthy PA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. April 5, 2021.

Supraventricular tachycardia

Atrial tachycardia – Overview – Mayo Clinic

Atrial tachycardia

Atrial tachycardia is an abnormally fast heartbeat. It’s the least common type of supraventricular tachycardia.

During an atrial tachycardia episode, the heart rate increases to more than 100 beats per minute before returning to a normal heart rate of around 60 to 80 beats per minute. An episode may start slowly or abruptly. Atrial tachycardia can cause light-headedness, dizziness and sometimes, fainting.

Atrial tachycardia is most commonly seen in children who have heart disorders such as congenital heart disease, particularly those who’ve had heart surgery. However, infection or drug or alcohol use can trigger the condition. For some people, atrial tachycardia increases during pregnancy or exercise.

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose atrial tachycardia may include:

• Blood tests to check thyroid function, heart disease or other conditions that may trigger atrial tachycardia
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart and measure the timing and duration of each heartbeat
• Holter monitor, which is a portable ECG device designed to record your heart’s activity as you go about your routine
• Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to produce images of your heart’s size, structure and motion

Your doctor might also try to trigger an episode with other tests, which may include:

• Stress test, which is typically done on a treadmill or stationary bicycle while your heart activity is monitored
• Electrophysiological (EP) study and cardiac mapping, which allows your doctor to see the precise location of the irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

Treatment

Treatment of atrial tachycardia depends on the severity of your condition and the things that trigger it. Your doctor may recommend:

• Vagal maneuvers. You may be able to temporarily slow your heart rate by holding your breath and straining, dunking your face in ice water, or coughing.
• Medications. Your doctor may suggest medication by mouth or IV to control your heart rate or restore a normal heart rhythm.
• Cardioversion. In this procedure, a shock is delivered to your heart through paddles or patches on your chest. The current affects the electrical signals in your heart and can restore a normal heart rate. Your doctor may recommend cardioversion if your arrhythmia doesn’t get better with vagal maneuvers or medication.
• Catheter ablation. For this procedure, your doctor threads one or more catheters through your blood vessels to your heart. Sensors at the tips of the catheters use heat (radiofrequency) or extreme cold to damage (ablate) a small spot of heart tissue to block faulty signals that are causing your arrhythmia.
• Pacemaker. If you have frequent episodes of atrial tachycardia and other treatments haven’t work, your doctor may suggest implanting a small device called a pacemaker. A pacemaker gives off electrical signals that stimulate your heart to beat at a normal rate. For people with atrial tachycardia, this procedure is typically done with ablation of the AV node.

May 28, 2021

Show references

1. Ectopic supraventricular rhythms. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/arrhythmias-and-conduction-disorders/ectopic-supraventricular-rhythms#. Accessed Feb. 22, 2021.
2. AskMayoExpert. Supraventricular tachycardia. Mayo Clinic; 2020.
3. Kistler P. Focal atrial tachycardia. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 22, 2021.
4. Kanter RJ. Atrial tachycardias in children. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 22, 2021.

Supraventricular tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) – NHS

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a condition where your heart suddenly beats much faster than normal. It’s not usually serious, but some people may need treatment.

Causes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

SVT happens when the electrical system that controls your heart rhythm is not working properly.

This causes your heart to suddenly beat much faster. It can then slow down abruptly.

A normal resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). But with SVT your heart rate suddenly goes above 100bpm. This can happen when you’re resting or doing exercise.

Symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

Having SVT means your heart suddenly beats faster.

This:

• usually lasts for a few minutes, but can sometimes last for several hours
• can happen several times a day or once a year – it varies
• can be triggered by tiredness, caffeine, alcohol or drugs – but often there’s no obvious trigger
• can happen at any age, but often starts for the first time in children and young adults – many people have their first symptoms between 25 and 40

You may get no other symptoms, but sometimes people also:

• have chest pain
• feel weak, breathless or lightheaded
• feel tired
• feel sick or are sick

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you keep getting a fast heartbeat

It’s important to get it checked out. You might need a test, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), to find out what’s going on.

Information:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: how to contact a GP

It’s still important to get help from a GP if you need it. To contact your GP surgery:

• visit their website
• use the NHS App
• call them

Find out about using the NHS during COVID-19

Things you can do to help with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

If your episodes of SVT only last a few minutes and do not bother you, you may not need treatment.

You can make changes to your lifestyle to reduce your chances of having episodes, such as:

• cutting down on the amount of caffeine or alcohol you drink
• stopping or cutting back on smoking
• making sure you get enough rest

Your doctor may also be able to recommend some simple techniques to help stop episodes when they happen.

Treating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in hospital

SVT is rarely life threatening. But you may need treatment in hospital if you keep having long episodes.

This may include:

• medicines to control the episodes of SVT – given as tablets or through a vein
• cardioversion – a small electric shock to the heart to help it get back to a normal rhythm
• catheter ablation – a treatment where thin tubes are placed through a vein or artery into your heart to correct the problem with the electrical system; this permanently cures the problem in most patients

Find out more about:

Page last reviewed: 27 April 2021
Next review due: 27 April 2024

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Symptoms & Warning Signs

Have you ever felt a really fast heartbeat that seemed to come out of nowhere? That could be one sign of a condition called supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT. You shouldn’t be alarmed, but you might want to check in with your doctor.

The symptoms usually last an average of 10 to 15 minutes. You may feel a rapid heartbeat, or palpitations, for just a few seconds or for several hours, though that’s rare. They may appear several times a day or only once a year.

They usually come up suddenly and go away just as fast. It is not dangerous, but can be concerning if they happen often or last for long. It is treatable and does not lead to a heart attack.

Some people with this condition never have signs of it. But most of the time, you will feel at least some of the following:

Rapid Heartbeat

The term “tachycardia” comes from Latin and means “fast heartbeat.” And that’s the main symptom — your heart feels like it’s racing really fast and out of nowhere.

A normal resting heart rate is usually between 60 and 100 beats a minute. Anything over 100 is considered tachycardia. SVT rates are usually about 150 to 250 beats a minute.

Some people feel an irregular heartbeat as well as a fast one.

Chest Pain

You may also feel tightness in your chest. Pain from SVT should go away quickly.

If it lasts more than a few minutes, call 911 or your doctor.

Breathing Problems

You may also find it hard to catch your breath, especially if you have coronary heart disease as well. That’s when your arteries have a hard time supplying blood to your heart.

Feeling Tired

You may feel wrung out after your heart slows back down to normal. How long that lasts can vary with how long your heart was beating really fast.

Some people say the exhaustion stays with them several days if the rapid heartbeat lasted a long time.

Other Symptoms

When to Call a Doctor

The symptoms are usually not life-threatening. But you may not always be able to tell the difference between a harmless fluttering of your heart and something more serious. Call a doctor right away if:

• You faint
• The fast beating and other symptoms last longer than a few minutes
• The symptoms occur often

If it happens too often and for too long, your heart muscle can weaken. Make sure you see a doctor before it gets to that point.

Types, Causes, & Risk Factors

Sometimes, a problem with your heart’s electrical signals can make it speed up, even when you’re not anxious or exercising. One type of faster-than-normal heartbeat is called supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

SVT is a group of heart conditions that all have a few things in common.

The term has Latin roots. Supraventricular means “above the ventricles,” which are the lower two sections of your heart. Tachycardia means “fast heart rate.”

Other conditions can cause your heart to beat too fast. Your doctor will need all the details of your symptoms. They’ll also do a physical exam and record your heartbeats to be sure of the diagnosis.

Most of the time, it doesn’t cause any serious health problems even though a racing heartbeat can be a scary feeling. Still, you should see your doctor about it. When your heart beats too quickly, it can’t pump out enough blood to meet your body’s needs.

Sometimes you might have a drop in blood pressure and feel dizzy or lightheaded. Other times, the only feeling is the rapid heartbeat.

Your doctor can try to bring your heart back into a regular rhythm with medicines and other treatments.

How Your Heart Beats

Your heart is a muscular organ that pumps about 100,000 times a day to send oxygen-rich blood out to your body. It has four pumping chambers to do the job. The left and right atria are at the top, and the left and right ventricles are on the bottom.

Your heart also has something of a natural pacemaker. It’s called the sinoatrial node, or SA node, for short. It’s at the top of the heart and sends out electrical signals that keep it beating the right way.

The electrical signal from the SA node makes the muscles of the atria contract to pull blood into the ventricles. Then the signal moves down and causes the muscles of the ventricles to squeeze. That causes blood to go out to the body.

The heart beats like this in a familiar lub-dub pattern some 50 to 99 times a minute if you’re at rest.

The heart normally increases and decreases in speed based on signals that get sent to the SA node. During a bout of SVT, these signals do not occur normally.

What Is Supraventricular Tachycardia?

Tachycardia is a faster-than-normal heart rate at rest. If you have this condition, your heart beats too quickly — more than 100 times a minute. The “supra” in supraventricular means above the ventricles.

With this condition, the fast heartbeat starts in the top chambers of the heart, the atria. When electrical signals in the atria fire off early, the atria contract too soon. That interrupts the main electrical signal coming from the SA node. This results in the heart beating very quickly through an abnormal and separate pathway.

This condition is divided into three types:

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia is the most common form. If you have it, there’s an extra pathway in your heart that causes an electrical signal to circle around and around instead of moving down to the ventricles. This can trigger the rapid heartbeat.

Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia happens when an abnormal pathway links the atria and ventricles, causing the signal to move around and around in a big loop.

If you have the inherited condition called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, you have this extra pathway. This condition can be serious. If it is part of your family history, have it checked.

Atrial tachycardia happens when a short circuit in the right or left atrium triggers a faulty electrical signal.

Bouts of any of these can last from a few seconds to a few hours. When SVT only happens from time to time, it’s called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

Causes

Most of the time, SVT happens without any obvious reason. It often starts when you are in your teens or early 20s.

Sometimes you are born with abnormal pathways or electrical circuits in your heart. Faulty circuits can also form out of scar tissue left behind after surgery.

Your heart is more likely to race if you:

Symptoms

When your heart beats too quickly, it doesn’t have time to fully refill with blood in between beats. That means it can’t send enough blood out to your body. That can cause:

Diagnosis

If you have symptoms, your doctor will ask you detailed questions.

They’ll want to know how old you were when you first noticed a problem. They’ll also ask when and how your symptoms began. That includes whether you were exercising when you noticed things such as a rapid pulse, dizziness or a hard time breathing.

Other things they’ll ask you about:

• Whether the symptoms came on suddenly or slowly
• What they feel like to you and how long they tend to last
• Whether you’ve noticed that you’ve had a fast heartbeat after caffeine or stress
• Whether you or anyone in your family has had heart problems or procedures

During your exam, your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. They might also:

EKG test

If your doctor suspects supraventricular tachycardia after hearing about your symptoms, examining you and running some basic tests, they might ask you to get an EKG. You may hear them call it an “electrocardiogram” or an ECG.

This test records your heart’s rhythm over time, so if it’s not beating as it should, it can reveal what the problem is. If you’re getting one, there’s nothing special you need to do ahead of time to get ready.

To set up the test, a nurse or technician will attach six sticky patches called electrodes on your chest and others on your arms and legs. If you have a hairy chest, an aide may need to shave small areas so they stay put.

Each one will go with a wire that leads to a machine. During the test, which takes just a few minutes, you’ll be asked to lie still and breathe normally.

Home monitoring

You might have symptoms just once in a while, so a single EKG in the doctor’s office may not reveal an abnormal heart rate.

In these cases, you might need to wear a device for longer so doctors can record your heart while you’re having symptoms. You may be sent home with one of the following:

A Holter monitor is a small, battery-powered EKG that records your heart’s activity for 24 to 48 hours. The device is about the size of a small camera and has little electrodes placed on your chest while you wear it. You can do most of your daily activities, but you shouldn’t bathe or shower.

An event monitor is also a portable EKG but might be more practical if you have symptoms less than once a day. You can wear it for longer than a Holter and press a button on it when you’re having symptoms. The monitor will record details only for the few minutes you’re feeling the fast heartbeat.

Your doctor may ask you to wear it for days or weeks.

Further tests

If you’re diagnosed based on the results of an EKG, you may need more tests to figure out what type of SVT you have and what’s causing it.

Often, this can include what’s called an “electrophysiology study” so that doctors can learn in more detail how the different sections of your heart are sending electrical signals to each other.

For this test, you are sedated at a hospital or clinic and soft, flexible wires are passed through your veins into your heart. You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Talk to your doctor about how to prepare because this test is more involved.

Treatments

One treatment for SVT uses medicine to slow the heartbeat.

If that doesn’t fix the problem for you, another option is called ablation. In this procedure, a surgeon burns the pathway that causes the abnormal electrical signals.

If you feel like your heart is fluttering and you have any of the symptoms listed above, make an appointment with your doctor to be tested.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) | Frankel Cardiovascular Center

About SVT

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) usually caused when electrical impulses originating at or above the atrioventricular node, or AV node (part of the heart’s electrical control system which controls rate) are out of synch.

When a person goes into this arrhythmia, the heart beats at least 100 beats per minute and can be as high as 300 beats per minute. SVT is also known as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) or paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT).

People with SVT may go into this arrhythmia from time to time unrelated to exercise, stress or other common causes of a rapid heart rate. For most people, SVT is not dangerous. The heart continues to work normally, pumping blood through the body.

SVT Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis

Some patients with SVT, which generally first arises in people in their teens and 20s, may have no symptoms, going in and out of the arrhythmia quickly. Others have symptoms, such as palpitations, a racing heart, sweating and feeling lightheaded or dizzy. SVT can become a problem requiring treatment if it lasts a long time or causes shortness of breath or chest pain.

Though most episodes of SVT are caused by the heart’s electrical system, other causes include certain drugs, health conditions, surgery and familial disorders, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

SVT can be diagnosed by your doctor through a physical exam and questions about what triggers your fast or irregular heart rate. Tests include X-rays or an electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity and record SVT events. You may have to temporarily wear a portable EKG to pick up events as they occur.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatments for SVT include medications you can take at the onset of symptoms, and “vagal maneuvers” which allow you to slow your heart rate yourself through coughing, gagging or putting your face in cold water. Another maneuver can be described as blowing into your fist as if it is a trumpet mouthpiece.

If you cannot resolve the SVT on your own, you may need to see your doctor or go to the ER for a fast-acting medication or even electrical cardioversion, a procedure that uses an electric current to reset the heart’s rhythm.

To manage SVT on a regular basis there are medicines to slow the heart rate and prevent the onset of SVT. However, for more stubborn cases, there is a procedure called catheter ablation, which destroys the part of the heart that causes the problem. This procedure is the gold standard and has a 99 percent success rate. We do this procedure more than any other ablation.

There are ways to prevent SVT at home by avoiding certain triggers. Common triggers include alcohol, caffeine, smoking, some over-the-counter decongestants, diet pills, and drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

Make an Appointment

The Arrhythmia Program at the University of Michigan has been a national and international leader in the treatment of arrhythmias for more than 30 years. To schedule an appointment to discuss your heart arrhythmia or other cardiovascular condition, call us at 888-287-1082 or visit our Make a Cardiovascular Appointment page, where you may fill out a Patient Appointment Request Form and view other details about making an appointment.

Supraventricular Tachycardia | Cedars-Sinai

Not what you’re looking for?

What is supraventricular tachycardia?

Supraventricular tachycardias (SVT)
are a group of abnormally fast heart rhythms (heartbeats). It’s a problem in the
electrical system of the heart. The word supraventricular means above the ventricles.
With SVT, the abnormal rhythm starts in the upper heart chambers (atria). Also, known
as
paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia as these fast heart rhythms may start and
stop
abruptly and can occur with intervals of normal heart rhythm.

Normally, a special group of cells
begin the electrical signal to start your heartbeat. These cells are in the sinoatrial
(SA) node. In an adult, the sinus node sends out a regular electrical pulse 60 to
100
times per minute at rest. This node is in the right atrium, the upper right chamber
of
your heart. The signal quickly travels down your heart’s conducting system to the
ventricles, the two lower chambers of your heart. Along the way, the signal moves
through the atrioventricular (AV) node, a special group of cells between your atria
and
your ventricles. From there, the signal travels to your left and right ventricle.
As it
travels, the signal triggers nearby parts of your heart to contract. This helps your
heart pump in a coordinated way.

In SVT, the signal to start your
heartbeat doesn’t come from the SA node. Instead, it comes from another part of the
left or right atrium, or from the AV node. An area outside the SA node begins to fire
quickly, causing a rapid heartbeat of over 100 beats per minute. This shortens the
time
your ventricles have to fill. If your heartbeat is fast enough, your heart may not
be
able to pump enough blood forward to the rest of your body. The abnormal heart rhythm
may last for a few seconds to a few hours before your heart returns to its normal
rhythm.

There are several types of
SVTs:

• The most common type in adults is
  atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). This occurs when you
  have two channels through the AV node, instead of just one. The electricity can get
  into a looping circuit with signals going down one channel and up the other. It can
  occur at any age, but it most often starts in young adulthood. It’s slightly more
  common in women.
• Another common type of SVT is
  atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT). In this condition, you
  are born with an extra electrical connection between the atrium and the ventricle
  (known as an accessory pathway) that can conduct electricity. This condition allows
  your heart to get caught up in a looping electrical circuit. The electricity either
  goes down the AV node and returns back to the atrium through the accessory pathway.
  Or the reverse occurs with the signal traveling down the accessory pathway and
  returning through the AV node. This circuit continues until it’s interrupted and the
  tachycardia stops. This type of SVT is slightly more common in younger women and
  children.
• Atrial tachycardia is another
  common type of SVT. In this case, a small group of cells in the atria begin to fire
  abnormally, triggering the fast heartbeat. Multifocal atrial tachycardia is a related
  type. In this case, multiple groups of cells in your atria fire abnormally. These
  types of SVT happen more often in middle-aged people. Multifocal atrial tachycardia
  is more common in people with heart failure or other heart or lung diseases.

In general, SVTs are somewhat uncommon. But they are not rare. Atrial
fibrillation and atrial flutter are also technically types of SVT but these are usually
separated into their own category because they are associated with other risks, can
last
for days or even years, and have a different mechanism

What causes supraventricular tachycardia?

SVT is usually a result of faulty
electrical signaling in your heart. It’s commonly brought on by premature beats. Some
types of SVT run in families, so genes may play a role. Other types may be caused
by
lung problems. It can also be linked to a number of lifestyle habits or medical
problems. Some of these include:

• Excess caffeine or alcohol
• Heavy smoking
• Certain medicines
• Heart attack
• Mitral valve disease

What are the symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia?

You may not have any symptoms if
you have SVT. Symptoms may vary based on how long the tachycardia lasts and how fast
the
heart rate is. Common symptoms include:

• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Pulsations in the neck
• Unpleasant awareness of the heartbeat
  (palpitations)

Fainting, more severe chest pain, and nausea are less common
symptoms. Very rarely can SVT cause sudden death.

How is supraventricular tachycardia diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a medical
history and physical exam. Your healthcare provider will also use tests to help diagnose
SVT. These tests will help your provider identify the type of SVT you have. They also
help your provider check for possible underlying causes and complications. Tests might
include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG), the most
  important initial test to analyze the abnormal rhythm
• Continuous electrocardiogram, to watch
  your heart rhythm over a longer period
• Blood work, to test for various
  causes
• Chest X-ray, to check for lung
  problems and examine the size of your heart
• Exercise stress test, to see how your
  heart works during exercise
• Echocardiography, to check your heart
  structure and function
• Electrophysiologic study (EPS), to
  evaluate the electrical activity and pathways in your heart

Your primary healthcare provider might first diagnose your SVT. But
they will likely send you to a heart doctor (cardiologist).

How is supraventricular tachycardia treated?

SVT needs short-term and long-term
treatment. Options for short-term treatment include:

• Maneuvers to stop SVT
• Medicines to stop SVT, like calcium
  channel blockers, beta blockers or adenosine
• Electrocardioversion. This sends a
  shock to the heart to get it back to a normal rhythm.
• Catheter ablation

Maneuvers are usually the first
treatment unless you have severe symptoms. These attempt to activate a nerve called
the
vagus nerve. Activating this nerve can cause a brief slowing of your heartbeat in
attempt to break the abnormal circuit. Your healthcare provider might have you do
a
Valsalva maneuver (you bear down with your stomach muscles, as though you were trying
to
have a bowel movement). Your provider might also try massaging the carotid artery
in
your neck, having you blow in a straw, or cough hard. Each of these techniques can
sometimes bring you out of SVT. If they don’t, your provider might give you medicines.
If your symptoms are severe or your condition is unstable, you will usually have
electrocardioversion as the first treatment. .

Long-term treatment depends on the
type of SVT and the intensity of symptoms. You may not need any treatment for SVT
if you
have only had one episode or the episodes are very rare, especially if SVT went away
with maneuvers alone. In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines
to
stop SVT that you will need to take only as needed. Beta-blockers or calcium channel
blockers are common choices. This may be an option for you if you have fewer than
3
episodes of SVT per year. But the medicines may often take 15 to 30 minutes to take
effect. If your SVT is more frequent, you may need to take medicine every day. Some
people may need to take several medicines to prevent episodes of SVT.

Catheter ablation is now often a
suggested treatment for recurring SVT. In some cases, it may be the initial recommended
treatment. Ablation can often cure SVT. The procedure involves placing a small catheter
through a blood vessel in the groin and threaded into your heart. Your healthcare
provider then performs a small burn or small freeze on the abnormal area of your heart
that is causing the fast heart rhythm. Ask your healthcare provider about what treatment
strategy is right for you.

How is supraventricular tachycardia managed?

Your healthcare provider might make
other recommendations to manage your SVT. These might include:

• Cutting back on alcohol and
  caffeine
• Not smoking
• Reducing stress
• Eating a heart-healthy diet

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if
you have severe symptoms like palpitations, lightheadedness, chest pain, or sudden
shortness of breath. If your symptoms are increasing in severity or frequency, plan
to
see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Key points about supraventricular tachycardia

• SVT is a type of abnormal heart rhythm. Something signals an
  area outside of the SA node to fire much faster than it should or something triggers
  the signal to follow a looping circuit. This results in a fast heartbeat that can
  last anywhere from a few seconds to several hours.
• There are several subtypes of SVT.
  Your treatment options may vary based on what subtype you have.
• Very rarely, SVT can cause sudden
  death.
• You might need a shock to the heart if
  you are having severe symptoms from SVT.
• Some people with SVT need to take
  medicines only when an episode of SVT happens. Others need to take medicine all the
  time. Ablation is often a good option for many people.
• It is important to follow your
  healthcare provider’s instructions about medicine and lifestyle management.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from
a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and
  what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down
  questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask
  questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a
  new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new
  instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment
  is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated
  in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is
  recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take
  the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment,
  write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider
  if you have questions.

Medical Reviewer: Steven Kang MD

Medical Reviewer: Quinn Goeringer PA-C

Medical Reviewer: Lu Cunningham

© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Not what you’re looking for?

90,000 What is heart rate? | Polar Russia

Heart rate is a useful tool if you want to know more about your performance in sports. When you monitor your heart rate during
workouts, you can control their intensity.

Your heart rate gives an accurate indication of your effort, but it’s important to remember that there are many factors involved. Among them:

Training experience

In athletes with more experience in aerobic training, the heart muscles work more efficiently.Bandwidth
the left ventricles of the heart are enlarged, the heart muscles are stronger, which is expressed in an increased stroke volume.
An increased stroke volume results in a lower resting heart rate as well as a lower heart rate during exercise.

Temperature

When the temperature rises, the need for cooling the body increases so that blood is distributed
closer to the skin surface.To speed up blood circulation, your heart needs to beat faster, so your heart rate
growing. When the air temperature drops, blood circulation on the surface of the body and in the extremities slows down,
and the heart does not have to work hard. And in this case, the heart rate decreases.

Dewatering

When you are dehydrated, the amount of plasma in your blood decreases and your heart has to pump blood faster
normal to deliver sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the muscles of the arms and legs,
and also to maintain the desired body temperature.Therefore, if you are dehydrated, your heart rate increases.

Heart rate measurement with Polar

There are two ways to measure your heart rate with Polar. The first is to use a heart rate monitor with a chest strap that measures
ECG of the heart. In this case, heart rate measurement means tracking the electrical activity of the heart.

Second – to measure heart rate optically by reading the pulse of the arteries on the wrist, using, for example, a measurement monitor
Heart rate on the wrist. In this case, we measure the pulse generated by the beats of the heart, i.e.e. heart rate.

90,000 Scientists have named life-threatening pulse

A high heart rate in middle age is associated with a doubling of the risk of premature death, Swedish scientists have found. They still do not undertake to talk about the exact reasons for this, but they note that monitoring the change in heart rate with age will help to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Resting heart rate in middle age is associated with life expectancy – if it is 75 beats per minute, then the risk of early death from all causes doubles, experts from the University of Gothenburg have found.The study was published in the journal Open Heart .

Heart rate (HR) is a physiological indicator of the heart rate used in medicine and sports practice. It changes with age, 65-90 beats per minute are considered the norm at 40-50 years old, 60-90 beats per minute from 51 years old.

It is believed that a smaller number of beats per minute (within the normal range, of course) indicates a good condition of the cardiovascular system and more efficient work of the heart.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in middle-aged and elderly populations, the researchers write. Previously, a link was demonstrated between an increase in heart rate and an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, as well as an increase in mortality from them. However, there was insufficient data on how changes in heart rate with age affect these risks.

Researchers wondered how heart rate at the upper limit of the norm affects health in the long term and whether it is associated with the risk of premature death, before 75 years of age.

In 1993, they selected 798 men who were born in 1943 in Sweden, in the city of Gothenburg. Participants in the study filled out questionnaires, talking about lifestyle, stress levels, cardiovascular diseases in the family. They also underwent a survey, according to which the researchers divided them into four categories depending on heart rate – 55 or less beats per minute, 56-65 beats per minute, 66-75 beats per minute and more than 75 beats per minute.

In 2003 and 2014, scientists again examined those study participants who were still alive (654 and 536 people, respectively).In total, over the years of observation, 119 men died before the age of 71, 237 developed cardiovascular diseases and 113 – coronary heart disease. Since 2003, in 111 participants in the experiment, the heart rate has increased, in 205 it has remained approximately the same, and in 338 it has decreased.

Those of the participants who had a heart rate above 55 beats per minute in 1993 were more likely to smokers, paid less attention to physical activity and were more prone to stress. In addition, they were more likely to have other risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases – high blood pressure and excess weight.

A heart rate above 75 beats per minute was associated with an almost twice higher risk of death from any cause other than cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, compared with a heart rate of 55 beats per minute and below.

In addition, a stable heart rate in 1993-2003, when the study participants were 50-60 years old, was associated with a 44% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease over the next 11 years compared with the heart rate, which increased during this period.

Each increase in heart rate by one unit gave an increase of 3% to the risk of death from all causes, 1% to the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and 2% to the risk of coronary heart disease.

The authors of the work suggest that a high heart rate increases the mechanical stress on the heart and increases blood pressure, thereby contributing to the development of coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia.

Also, a high heart rate indicates hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is activated during stress reactions. This increases the risk of obesity, which in turn can lead to insulin resistance, increased uric acid levels, lipid disorders and hypertension.All these phenomena adversely affect the functioning of the body and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

This is only an observational study, scientists warn, so it is not worth drawing conclusions from it about the identified changes in risks. In addition, only men participated in it, so it cannot be said if its results apply to all people.

However, they believe the findings are of clinical relevance, as tracking changes in resting heart rate can be an important factor in identifying future risk of cardiovascular disease.

90,000 Resting heart rate and increase in heart rate over time affect patient prognosis

Resting heart rate is a predictor of poor outcomes in both the general population and patients with previously diagnosed cardiovascular disease. In some categories of patients, heart rate can be considered as a modifiable risk factor: for example, it has been shown that a decrease in heart rate in patients with CHF improves the prognosis.In contrast, in patients with stable coronary artery disease, a decrease in heart rate did not affect the outcome of the disease.

Within the framework of this work, the authors assessed the prognosis of patients depending on the baseline heart rate and on the dynamics of this indicator during three consecutive visits with an average interval between visits of about three years. The study was conducted on a sample of patients enrolled in the ARIC study and followed for 28 years. (The ARIC study included adults 45-64 years old, the purpose of the study was to assess risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis).

This analysis included 15,600 patients. Over 28 years of follow-up, 6467 patients died, 2939 developed heart failure. It was shown that an increase in heart rate over time significantly increases mortality and the likelihood of developing heart failure: an increase in heart rate (on average over 3 years) for every 5 beats / min was significantly associated with an increase in mortality from all causes by 12% (95% CI 10-15 %) and with an increase in the likelihood of developing heart failure by 13% (95% CI 9-16%). In addition, an increase in heart rate for every 5 beats / min led to an increase in the risk of MI by 9%, stroke by 6%, cardiovascular death by 13%, and death from cancer by 8%.The relationship between changes in heart rate and overall mortality was almost linear.

Taking beta-blockers neutralized the relationship between the dynamics of heart rate and prognosis, but the effect of the initial heart rate on the prognosis did not depend on the subsequent intake of beta-blockers.

Thus, it was shown that the heart rate at rest (including, in dynamics over several years of observation) is a significant factor determining the patient’s prognosis. Practitioners should not forget about a simple and cheap marker to identify patients at increased risk of cardiovascular complications and death.

Vazir A, Claggett B, Cheng S, et al. Association of Resting Heart Rate and Temporal Changes in Heart Rate With Outcomes in Participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. JAMA Cardiol. Published online January 24, 2018. doi: 10.1001 / jamacardio.2017.4974

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/article-abstract/2670454?redirect=true

Text prepared by Ph.D. Shakhmatova O.O.

Decathlon Coach: Heart rate reserve, at rest and maximum: definitions and theoretical calculation!

HEART RATE

The heart rate is the rhythm with which your heart contracts to carry blood throughout your body through your blood vessels.. This rhythm corresponds to the number of beats per minute (bpm). It changes over time and depending on the intensity of the sport you practice. The more intense the workout, the higher your heart rate.
Why do you need cardio? What is its use? Click here

RESTING HEART RATE

Resting heart rate – is the smallest heart rate your heart beats. On average, it is 60–70 bpm.The more trained you are, the lower your resting heart rate.
The lowest recorded resting heart rate for cross-country freeriders is 40 bpm.
If you are sedentary and / or do not practice regular sports, your resting heart rate will be higher. Also, the heart rate depends on the level of stress and risk factors (smoking, alcohol, genetic factors) that lead to an increase in heart rate. Regular training helps to lower your heart rate! Good news! All is not lost yet!

Your resting heart rate should be measured at a time when you are most calm and relaxed.
That is, the best time to measure your heart rate at rest is in the morning, before you get out of bed !!

How to measure it?

– If you have a heart rate meter , you only need to make measurements for 5 minutes and calculate the average. You can measure 3 consecutive days and calculate the average over 3 days.
If you do not have a special device, you need to put 3 fingers at the level of the carotid artery (slightly to the side of the chin) to feel the pulsation and count. Within 15 seconds, count the number of beats and multiply by 4. Repeat 3 times and average over 60 seconds. .

Remember to measure your resting heart rate in the morning.
If you decide to measure your resting heart rate right now in your office at 3pm, your heart rate that you will measure will be relatively low, but nevertheless higher than your actual resting heart rate.

MAXIMUM HEART RATE

We now turn to the maximum heart rate.
It corresponds to the highest rhythm with which your heart beats.

To calculate it, you can:

– conduct a test to calculate the maximum heart rate at a sports cardiologist , this is the only reliable way.
– Field Method: You are doing very vigorous exercises to maximize your heart rate and you are counting your heart rate. Of course this test should be performed by a doctor or professional athlete!
– Formula for calculating your maximum heart rate based on your age.

Your maximum heart rate = 220 for your age (for men) and 226 for your age (for women).
For example, if I am a man aged 39, my maximum heart rate should be 220 – 39 = 181 beats./ min. As you can imagine, the maximum heart rate varies depending on age, but not so much depending on the training.

Measurements by a cardiologist are the most accurate, however there are other methods, but they are more complex and should suit your needs and your profile.

RESERVE HEART RATE

Let’s talk about the reserve heart rate, since this indicator is important when calculating the intensity of the load during training.

As we saw earlier, your heart rate ranges from resting heart rate to maximum heart rate.

Take Charles, for example, he is 39 years old, his heart rate at rest is 65 bpm, and his maximum heart rate is 181 bpm. His heart beats between resting heart rate and max. Thus, its heart rate can vary from 65 to 181 bpm. depending on the intensity of the load and the type of sport he is engaged in. His reserve heart rate is 181 – 65, that is, 116 beats / min and corresponds to the range of his heart rate.
The reserve heart rate may increase or decrease depending on your fitness level and is mainly due to a decrease in your resting heart rate.

Let’s move on to the last stage of calculating the cardio training zone by% of the reserve heart rate. As I already told you, heart rate is directly proportional to the intensity of exercise. The more vigorous exercise you do, the higher your heart rate.
To calculate the intensity level of your workout, you can reverse the process.That is, calculate the heart rate you need to reach during your workout in order to know the intensity level of your workout. For this we use% of reserve heart rate. The higher the% of your reserve heart rate, the higher the intensity of the exercise.

Let’s take an example: Charles is running at 65% of his reserve heart rate, that is, he must run with a heart rate equal to ((65 * 116) / 100) + resting heart rate = 75 + 65 = 140 bpm.

Now you know how the app calculates the intensity of your workouts.

Have a nice trip 🙂

Pulse will show: the secret of correct training

In sports, many people mistakenly believe that in order for training to have the maximum effect, whether aesthetic or general strengthening, it is necessary to regularly and for a long time to exercise at the limit of their capabilities. And the main indicator that you have done a good job will be an off-scale heart rate, a wet T-shirt and a burgundy-red face, and a constant feeling of fatigue.

We hasten to assure you: training in such an exhausting mode may not only fail to bring the expected result, but also harm your health – first of all, the cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system!

Any aerobic exercise (running, swimming, cycling, skiing or skating, rowing, etc.) has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels . At the same time, they require compliance with an important rule: the training process must take place in the correct and safe load zones , which are determined by the heart rate (HR), or, in short, by the pulse.

Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per unit of time (usually per minute). This indicator is different for people of different ages and different levels of fitness: for example, for a half-year-old baby at rest, 80-120 beats per minute is considered the norm, for an adult – 60-100, and for a professional runner – 40-60 beats per minute. It is very important to monitor your heart rate, because it helps to determine what kind of stress the body is experiencing, and what effect it has on it.Here is a simple algorithm by which you can calculate your heart rate and choose the optimal heart rate zone for training:

1. First of all, measure your heart rate at rest, that is, in the morning after waking up, before getting out of bed. The most convenient way to do this is with a special heart rate monitor, or by feeling the pulse on the wrist or neck. If you are measuring your heart rate manually, count the number of beats per minute while looking at your watch. For a more accurate result, measure your heart rate several times a week and then calculate the average value, for example, for three points – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday (the main thing is to always use the same measurement method).

Table 2. Heart rate / ConsultantPlus

ConsultantPlus: note.

The numbering of tables is given in accordance with the official text of the document.

 ┌────────────────────────────────────── ──┬────────────────────────┐ 

 │ │ Moderate physical │ Intense physical │ 

 │ │ activity │ activity │ 

 │ │ 55 - 70% MHR │ 70 - 85% MHR │ 

 ├──────────┬───────────┼───────────── ──┬──────────┼───────────┬──────────┤ 

 │ age │ MHR <*> │ beats./ min. │ 15 sec. │ bpm │ 15 sec. │ 

 │ (years) │ │ │ │ │ │ 

 ├──────────┼───────────┼────────── ────┼──────────┼───────────┼──────────┤ 

 │30 │190 │105 - 133 │26 - 33 │133 - 162 │33 - 41 │ 

 ├─────────┼──────────┼─────────── ────┼──────────┼───────────┼──────────┤ 

 │40 │180 │99 - 126 │25 - 32 │126 - 153 │32 - 38 │ 

 ├─────────┼───────────┼─────────── ────┼──────────┼───────────┼──────────┤ 

 │50 │170 │94 - 119 │24 - 30 │119 - 145 │30 - 36 │ 

 ├─────────┼───────────┼─────────── ────┼──────────┼───────────┼──────────┤ 

90 240 │60 │160 │88 – 112 │22 – 28 │112 – 136 │28 – 34 │

 ├──────────┼───────────┼─────────── ────┼──────────┼───────────┼──────────┤ 

 │70 │150 │83 - 105 │21 - 26 │105 - 128 │26 - 32 │ 

 ├───── ─────┼────────────┼──────────────┼──────────┼───── ──────┼────────────┤ 

 │80 │140 │77 - 98 │19 - 25 │98 - 119 │25 - 30 │ 

 └───── ─────┴────────────┴──────────────┴──────────┴───── ──────┴───────────┘ 

Table 2 shows the calculation of the heart rate (HR) for 1 minute or 15 seconds with moderate or intense exercise for different age groups of patients.

A convenient way to control the intensity of PA: if the speed of the exercises allows the participants to talk comfortably, then this load is moderate.

Competitive physical activity is usually regarded as a level of intense exercise, so this should be mentioned when guidelines limit PA to moderate.

Types of physical exercise

The patient should be advised the type of PA that is pleasurable and accessible to him.It should be aerobic PA – continuous rhythmic activity involving large muscle groups (walking, swimming, etc.). Offering multiple types of physical activity can also increase patients’ chances of continuing and support their efforts.

Patients should be discouraged from engaging in physical exercise that is beyond their capacity (for example, either too intense or unusual for their lifestyle).

Recommendations for beginners to engage in physical activity

Primary health care providers should know the basic principles of counseling patients who have no contraindications for physical activity.They are as follows:

– Start slowly and gradually;

– The most appropriate level is moderate PA;

– Gradually increase the duration of classes, adding a few minutes a day, until the recommended minimum of PA is reached;

– When this level is reached and becomes habitual, gradually increase the duration of the sessions or their intensity, or both.

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💗 Heart rate: the norm for different age groups

There is a wide range of conditions in which heart rate can change.These include both pathological processes in the body and short-term physiological changes.

Let’s look at the 10 most common causes of changes in heart rate.

No. 1 Dehydration

When a person, for some reason, consumes little water, this leads to a decrease in blood volume. As a result, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood, and it begins to beat faster – tachycardia occurs. In addition, dehydration causes problems with sodium circulation, which leads to involuntary muscle contraction, and the heart is a muscular organ.

A person needs to consume at least 2 liters of liquid per day. This will help prevent dehydration and the onset of various related illnesses.

# 2 Taking some medications

Certain drugs can cause changes in heart rate, both in the direction of an increase in the number of heart contractions, and in the direction of a decrease.

Tachycardia can be caused by taking medications for the treatment of asthma, a disease of the respiratory tract, during attacks of which there is difficulty in breathing.Medicines containing caffeine can also cause heart palpitations.

One of the causes of bradycardia is the use of beta-blockers. They are taken to treat arrhythmias and associated high blood pressure.

Before taking any medications, consult your doctor and do not self-medicate, as this can lead to irreparable consequences.

No. 3 Stressful situations

Stressful situations can negatively affect the health of the cardiovascular system.Stress disrupts autonomic homeostasis (self-regulation). Such changes become a trigger for the appearance of tachycardia.

Increased nervous activity can lead to spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances). Perhaps every person noticed for himself that when he begins to get nervous and worry, his heart beats harder, that is, tachycardia appears.

Try to stay calm and avoid stress in any situation. But if you still feel that you are in a stressful situation and your heart rate has increased, then you can take a sedative drug, having previously consulted with your doctor.

The simplest and safest sedatives include:

No. 4 Sports activities

During physical exercise, the heart rate increases to 130-150 beats per minute or more. This is because the heart begins to work harder to pump more oxygenated blood throughout the body.

Athletes can also develop sinus bradycardia. It appears after many years of training and is considered the norm for this group of people.However, in many cases, a slowing heart rate indicates the presence of pathologies, so it is best to consult a doctor.

Monitor your health during sports and consult a professional trainer before starting the training process. He will create a personalized training plan for you.

# 5 Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) and hypothyroidism

This is an abnormality in health that causes an excess of thyroid hormones in the human body.These hormones are produced by the thyroid gland to regulate metabolic processes.

This disease is more common in females than in men. And one of its symptoms is tachycardia.

Lack of thyroid hormones is called hypothyroidism. It is characterized by a decrease in heart rate, that is, bradycardia.

Any abnormalities in the thyroid gland should be treated by a specialized endocrinologist. It is he who can prescribe drug therapy, after which, among other things, the patient’s heart rate stabilizes.

# 6 Drinking a lot of caffeinated drinks

Caffeine is a part of many drinks, the main of which is coffee. This substance stimulates the adrenal glands to produce the hormone adrenaline, as a result of which the heart rate and blood pressure increase. Therefore, the use of caffeine should be monitored and taken no more than 300-400 mg per day.

For people with low blood pressure and bradycardia, caffeine helps to raise blood pressure, which increases their activity and ability to work.However, it must be taken in moderation and only with the permission of a medical specialist.

Drink caffeinated drinks according to the recommendations of experts, and then they will not provoke any deviations in health.

No. 7 Infectious diseases

Heart rate increases in response to infection or fever. This happens when the cells of the immune system begin to actively fight the pathogen. Tachycardia can be caused by a viral infection such as influenza and even, in some cases, Covid-19.

Infectious diseases must be treated from the very beginning of their appearance – this will help reduce the risk of negative consequences. This should be done by a specialized doctor, and any self-medication is contraindicated.

# 8 Smoking

Smoking has a negative effect not only on the lungs, but also on the entire body, including the cardiovascular system. It can provoke the appearance of both tachycardia and bradycardia.

It is best to give up smoking, because it can protect against the occurrence of many health pathologies.

# 9 Drinking a lot of alcohol

After drinking alcoholic beverages, heart rate increases. The heart begins to beat at a rate of more than 100 beats per minute. With frequent alcohol intake, the heart accumulates a lot of fat, becomes flabby and its functioning is impaired.

To avoid diseases of the cardiovascular system and other organs, alcohol consumption must be minimized or completely abandoned.