Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

Alternative names:

PSVT

Symptoms:

• palpitations (a sensation of feeling the heart beat)
• rapid pulse
• anxiety, feeling of impending doom
• shortness of breath
• chest tightness

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• fainting
• dizziness
• pale color (pallor)

Note: Symptoms may start and stop suddenly, and can last for a few minutes or as long as a day or two.

Signs and tests:

An examination shows a regular, rapid heart rate. The heart rate may be 150 to 250 beats per minute (in children the heart rate tends to be very high). There may be signs of poor perfusion. Between episodes of PSVT, the heart rate is normal (60 to 100). Examination is otherwise unrevealing.

• An ECG during symptoms shows PSVT.
• Continuous ambulatory monitoring or a 24-hour Holter monitor may be required to diagnose PSVT because of the sporadic nature of the disorder.