Definition:

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Supraventricular tachycardia occurs when your heart beats too fast. Normally your heart rate or pulse is 60-100 beats per minute. In this disorder you heart rate may be 150-200 beats per minute.

Symptoms:

• Sensation of feeling your heart beat
• Rapid heart rate or pulse
• Anxiety
• Shortness of Breath
• Tightness’ in your chest
• Fainting
• Dizziness or light-headedness

These symptoms may start or stop suddenly. They could last for a few minutes to several hours.

Some risk factors may include smoking, drinking a lot of caffeine, alcohol or drug use. Other disease states can also attribute to this disorder.

Treatment:

Your doctor will exam you to see if you are having a rapid heart rate. He may run an ECG. He may also suggest you wear a 24 hour monitor because this fast heart rate may not always be predictable. Sometimes you may not require any treatment; although in severe cases he may ask you to undergo a test that studies the electrical system of your heart. This test is often necessary for accurate diagnosis.