Note: This information is provided for healthcare professionals to use with their patients as a counseling tool.

What is PSVT?

PSVT stands for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. "Tachycardia" (tak' i kar' de a) is the term for a heart rate that is faster than normal. "Supraventricular" (soo pra ven trik' ya lar) means that the problem is located outside the ventricles in the upper part of the heart. "Paroxysmal" (par ak siz' mal) means that the condition happens suddenly and is unpredictable.


Normal ECG Strip

PSVT ECG Strip

 
Thousands of people in the U.S. experience PSVT. It is most common among young adults and children, but can occur at any age. When you have PSVT, you may experience symptoms such as:
  •  Pounding in your chest
  •  Rapid pulse (often from 150 to 250 beats per minute)
  •  Shortness of breath
  •  Tightness or pain in your chest
  •  Anxiety
  •  Feeling light-headed or dizzy
  •  Looking pale
  •  Fainting

These symptoms may begin without warning. They can last for a few minutes and then stop suddenly. Or they could last for a day or more if not treated.

Is this problem serious?

Although the symptoms can make you nervous and uncomfortable, PSVT is rarely dangerous or life threatening, unless you already have some other heart problem. PSVT can be controlled.