How to Manage Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) requires immediate attention during acute episodes, regardless of the setting. These episodes can occur at night or during social interactions. When symptoms appear, patients may attempt techniques like holding their breath or stimulating the vagus nerve through gagging to stop the episode.

Immediate Actions During an SVT Episode

Some individuals may suggest applying pressure to the eyeballs as a remedy, but this method is strongly discouraged. Doing so can cause serious damage such as retinal detachment or other ocular injuries. It's essential to avoid risky techniques and instead rely on safer and medically approved methods.

When to Seek Medical Help

If self-help techniques fail to restore normal heart rhythm, prompt medical attention is necessary. In such cases, emergency departments can administer antiarrhythmic medications like verapamil (Calan) to effectively terminate the episode. These treatments provide immediate relief but do not offer a permanent solution.

Long-Term Treatment Options

Catheter Ablation: The Preferred Solution

For a lasting cure, catheter ablation is highly recommended. This minimally invasive procedure has a success rate of over 98% in treating SVT. With low complication rates and high efficacy, catheter ablation is considered the gold standard for long-term management of SVT. It allows patients to live free from recurrent episodes without relying on daily medications.