Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is an occasional rapid heart rate. "Paroxysmal" means from time to time.
Alternative NamesPSVT; Supraventricular tachycardia
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsNormally, the chambers of the heart (atria and ventricles) contract in a coordinated manner. The contractions are caused by an electrical signal that begins in an area of the heart called the sinoatrial node (also called the sinus node or SA node). The signal moves through the upper heart chambers (the atria) and tells the atria to contract.
PSVT starts with events taking place above the lower heart chambers (ventricles). PSVT can be initiated in the SA node, in the upper heart chambers (atria), in the atrial conduction pathways, or other areas.
PSVT can occur with digitalis toxicity and conditions such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
The condition occurs most often in young people and infants.
The following increase your risk for PSVT:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this condition:
Note: Symptoms may start and stop suddenly, and can last for a few minutes or several hours. A PSVT lasting more than half of the day is considered an incessant PSVT.
Signs and testsA physical examination during a PSVT episode will show a rapid heart rate.
The heart ratemay be 150 to 250 beats per minute (bpm). In children, the heart rate tends to be very high. There may be signs of poor blood circulation such as lightheadedness. Between episodes of PSVT, the heart rate is normal (60 to 100 bpm).
An ECG during symptoms shows PSVT. An electrophysiology study(EPS) is often necessary for an accurate diagnosis and to recommend the best treatment.
Because of the sporadic nature of the PSVT, its diagnosis may require 24-hour Holter monitoring. For longer recording periods, a "loop recorder" (with computer memory) is used.
TreatmentIf you do not have symptoms, PSVT may not require treatment.
If symptoms occur or if you have another heart disorder, treatment may be necessary.
If you have an episode of PSVT, a technique called the Valsalva maneuver can be used to interrupt the fast heartbeat. Hold your breath and strain, as if you were trying to have a bowel movement, or cough while sitting with your upper body bent forward.
Splashing ice water on the face has been reported by some people as helpful.
Emergency treatment of PSVT may include:
Long-term treatment of PSVT may include:
PSVT is generally not life threatening, unless other heart disorders are present.
ComplicationsThe main complication is an increased risk of heart failure.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if:
Avoid smoking, caffeine, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Medications used to treat the disorder may be given as a preventive (prophylactic) treatment in people at a high risk or who have had previous episodes of PSVT.
ReferencesOlgin JE, Zipes DP. Specific arrhythmias: diagnosis and treatment. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 35.
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is an occasional rapid heart rate. "Paroxysmal" means from time to time.
Alternative NamesPSVT; Supraventricular tachycardia
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsNormally, the chambers of the heart (atria and ventricles) contract in a coordinated manner. The contractions are caused by an electrical signal that begins in an area of the heart called the sinoatrial node (also called the sinus node or SA node). The signal moves through the upper heart chambers (the atria) and tells the atria to contract.
PSVT starts with events taking place above the lower heart chambers (ventricles). PSVT can be initiated in the SA node, in the upper heart chambers (atria), in the atrial conduction pathways, or other areas.
PSVT can occur with digitalis toxicity and conditions such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
The condition occurs most often in young people and infants.
The following increase your risk for PSVT:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this condition:
Note: Symptoms may start and stop suddenly, and can last for a few minutes or several hours. A PSVT lasting more than half of the day is considered an incessant PSVT.
Signs and testsA physical examination during a PSVT episode will show a rapid heart rate.
The heart ratemay be 150 to 250 beats per minute (bpm). In children, the heart rate tends to be very high. There may be signs of poor blood circulation such as lightheadedness. Between episodes of PSVT, the heart rate is normal (60 to 100 bpm).
An ECG during symptoms shows PSVT. An electrophysiology study(EPS) is often necessary for an accurate diagnosis and to recommend the best treatment.
Because of the sporadic nature of the PSVT, its diagnosis may require 24-hour Holter monitoring. For longer recording periods, a "loop recorder" (with computer memory) is used.
TreatmentIf you do not have symptoms, PSVT may not require treatment.
If symptoms occur or if you have another heart disorder, treatment may be necessary.
If you have an episode of PSVT, a technique called the Valsalva maneuver can be used to interrupt the fast heartbeat. Hold your breath and strain, as if you were trying to have a bowel movement, or cough while sitting with your upper body bent forward.
Splashing ice water on the face has been reported by some people as helpful.
Emergency treatment of PSVT may include:
Long-term treatment of PSVT may include:
PSVT is generally not life threatening, unless other heart disorders are present.
ComplicationsThe main complication is an increased risk of heart failure.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if:
Avoid smoking, caffeine, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Medications used to treat the disorder may be given as a preventive (prophylactic) treatment in people at a high risk or who have had previous episodes of PSVT.
ReferencesOlgin JE, Zipes DP. Specific arrhythmias: diagnosis and treatment. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 35.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/04/2010
Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine. Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
PST means paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, sometimes abbreviated PSVT.
A supraventricular tachycardia is tachycardia (heart rate > 100) that originates above the AV node, in the atria. There are several different forms of supraventricular tachycardia, including sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, multifocal atrial tachycardia, and a nebulous condition called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). Many people also consider junctional tachycardia a supraventricular tachycardia.
Paroxysmal Supra-Ventricular Tachycardia
I'm not quite sure how to pronounce it, but you can say PSVT for short.
PSVT are those SVTs which are sudden, abrupt, almost immediate and unexpected onset and are more regular as well... PSVT is just the type of SVT..
Azimilide is currently being evaluated for its use in atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and PSVT. Additionally there were phase III trials being conducted for ventricular tachyarrhythmias and in patients with ICDs. The drug has not yet been approved by the FDA and thus has no labeled indications at this time.
DefinitionCardioversion is a method to restore an abnormal heart rhythm back to normal.InformationCardioversion can be done using an energy shock (electric cardioversion) or medications (pharmacologic cardioversion).ELECTRIC CARDIOVERSIONElectric cardioversion may use a device that can be placed inside (internal) or outside (external) the body.External electric cardioversion uses a device called a defibrillator.Electrode patches are placed on the front and back of the chest and connected to the defibrillator.When the defibrillator paddles are placed on your chest, an energy shock is delivered to your heart. This shock briefly stops all electrical activity of the heart and then allows the normal heart rhythm to return.Sometimes more than one shock is needed.Emergency external electric cardioversion is used to treat any abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that is life threatening, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Such a shock can be life saving.External electric cardioversion may also be used when there is not an emergency.Heart rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) that began recently or that cannot be controlled with medicines may be treated this way.First, tests such as a transesophageal echocardiogram are often done to make sure that there are no blood clots in the heart. Some people may need to take blood thinners before the cardioversion procedure.You will usually be given a sedative before the procedure starts.After the external cardioversion, you may be given medicine to prevent blood clots and to help prevent the arrhythmia from coming back.An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that is usually placed underneath the skin of your upper chest. This is a semi-permanent implantation (devices may need to be replaced after 6 - 10 years).The ICD detects any life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. If such a heartbeat (arrhythmia) occurs, the ICD quickly sends an electrical shock to the heart to change the rhythm back to normal.An ICD is placed in people who are at high risk of sudden cardiac death from dangerous arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.See also: Implantable cardiac defibrillatorCARDIOVERSION USING DRUGS (PHARMACOLOGIC)Cardioversion can be done using drugs that are taken by mouth or given through an intravenous line (IV). It can take several minutes to days for a successful cardioversion. If pharmacologic cardioversion is done in a hospital, your heart rate will be regularly checked. Although rare, cardioversion using drugs can be done outside the hospital. However, this requires close follow-up with a cardiologist.As with electrical cardioversion, you may be given blood thinning medicines to prevent blood clots from forming and leaving the heart (which can cause a stroke).COMPLICATIONSPossible complications of cardioversion are uncommon, but may include:Allergic reactions from medicines used in pharmacologic cardioversionBlood clots that can cause a stroke or other organ damageBruising, burning, or pain where the electrodes were usedWorsening of the arrhythmiaPeople who perform external cardioversion may be shocked if the procedure is not done correctly. This can cause heart rhythm problems, pain, and even death.ReferencesLafuente-Lafuente C, Mahe I, Extramiana F. Management of atrial fibrillation. BMJ. 2009; 339:b5216. doi: 10.1136/bjm.b5216.Miller JM, Zipes DP. Therapy for cardiac arrhythmias. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 33.Epstein AE, DiMarco JP, Ellenbogen KA, Estes NA 3rd, Freedman RA, Gettes LS, et al. ACC/AHA/HRS 2008 guidelines for device-based therapy of cardiac rhythm abnormalities: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the ACC/AHA/NASPE 2002 Guideline Update for Implantation of Cardiac Pacemakers and Antiarrhythmia Devices): developed in collaboration with the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Circulation. 2008;117:e350-e408.
In pediatrics, it is generall recognized that younger (and thus smaller) patients can have higher heart rates than adults. In the extreme, the example of the hummingbird is often alluded to (hummingbirds are tiny and thus have extremely rapid heartbeats). Newborns have heart rates that can range from 110-160 and be totally normal.Average or Normal heart rates for a 4- year old (or any healthy preschooler aged 3-5) can range from 80-120.Heart rates outside of this range or right at the extremes of this range should be contemplated further and evaluated by a physician or nurse practitioner. Thus, a heart rate of 120 in a 4-5 year old could possibly be associated with a higher level of emotional stress or lower physical fitness in a sedentary or overweight child. It could also be completely normal and attributable to that child's unique physiology.If your child can tolerate greater or more frequent exercise, you can try taking their pulse over time to see if this improves their heart rate, though the most obvious changes may be to their blood pressure.Sources:http://www.rnceus.com/psvt/psvtvs.htmlhttp://www.emedicinehealth.com/pediatric_vital_signs/article_em.htm
All I know is that average girls aged 12 would have a resting heart rate (RHR) of 80, and one of 14 would have a RHR of 85.If it's higher then the average RHR (Per minute) then that would be bad. Lower would be good.Although I am 14, and mine is 70, yet I'm not that athletic, I'm a fast runner, but that at the most.
THIS IS ACTUALLY NAOMI'S ANSWER, AS THERE WAS NO "CONTRIBUTOR." I am not certain, but it's possible the questioner means PTSD, the abbreviation for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, in which a person endures a severe trauma (war, rape, being attacked, witnessing an attack, serious car accident, even longterm emotional distress can be considered trauma) and later exhibits symptoms that do not go away without treatment. Among these symptoms are: constantly reliving the incident, feeling as if you are experiencing the incident again although you are consciously aware that you are not, anxiety, sleeplessness, and many others. If, in fact, the questioner is asking about PTSD, he or she should seek professional help. Many community health centers, veterans' centers and hospitals offer treatment, in addition to private (and more expensive) therapists and psychiatrists. Because this is a relatively new field, be sure to find someone with a great deal of experience and expertise in PTSD. Not all psychiatrists and psychologists are trained to handle PTSD. It's probably best to start with your local mental health center, which can direct you to resources, doctors, psychiatrists and so forth. You may also want to find out about alternative techniques that can be a part of the overall treatment (not replacing it); among these would be stress-relieving techniques such as acupuncture, massage, reflexology, hypnosis by a trained and licensed hypnotist, and others. Don't try any alternative approaches without the approval of your doctor, however, as some can actually increase symptoms. ("Rebirthing" comes to mind; for some people, the anxiety experienced can leave them feeling much worse.) Whatever the cause of PTSD, even if you think it's too "minor" to create serious symptoms, it's better to speak with professionals and get help than to feel embarrassed about it and suffer in silence. Thousands if not millions of Americans suffer from PTSD.