How is PSVT treated?

Often, the rapid heart rhythm of PSVT will suddenly return to normal all by itself. If it doesn't, there are steps that medical professionals can take to "convert" your heartbeat back to a normal rhythm. A doctor, nurse, or emergency medical technician might massage certain areas of your neck. This tends to slow your heart rate and can interrupt the PSVT. Sometimes medications are used. The most common one--and the one recommended in the American Heart Association's guidelines for treating PSVT¹--is adenosine (a den' a sen), also known as Adenocard (a den' a kard). It is injected into the vein and, in most cases, it will restore normal heart rhythm very quickly.² Up to three doses of Adenocard may be given to treat a single episode of PSVT.

If neither neck massage nor medication is successful, a very brief but powerful electrical shock to the heart--called "cardioversion"--may be used to convert PSVT back to normal rhythm. Although the procedure may sound a bit scary, it is very safe. If you experience PSVT, you should always follow the advice of your physician or healthcare professional.

Can PSVT be cured?

In many people, attacks of PSVT stop as they get older or the symptoms can be controlled so that there is no need to take further action. If the symptoms are causing problems, doctors may take steps to cure the condition. These include:

• Medications which the patient can take regularly to prevent PSVT from occurring.
• A surgical procedure called transcatheter or radiofrequency ablation can be performed, in which the physician deactivates the heart tissue that is causing the problem.
• A doctor might recommend that the patient be given a pacemaker to prevent the abnormal heart rhythm. Usually, one of these long-term treatments for PSVT becomes necessary only if the patient is experiencing the symptoms frequently or if some other heart problem makes PSVT a risk to the person's health. You should discuss with your doctor the course of action that is best for you.

What can you do to avoid PSVT?

Unless you undergo medical treatment, there is no permanent way to keep PSVT from coming back again. But there are steps you can take to help reduce the likelihood of PSVT. PSVT can be brought on by:

• Overexertion
• Intense emotion or excitement
• Products that contain caffeine
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Certain medicines for colds or asthma

By avoiding these risk factors as much as possible, you can reduce the chances that PSVT will occur again.

If you have any other questions, be sure to ask your physician or healthcare professional.

References:

1. The American Heart Association in Collaboration With the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). Guidelines 2000 for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Part 6: advanced cardiovascular life support. Circulation. 2000;102(Suppl I): I-158 - I-165.

2. DiMarco JP, Miles W, Akhtar M, et al. Adenosine for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: dose ranging and comparison with verapamil. Assessment in placebo-controlled, multicenter trials. Ann Intern Med. 1990;113:104-110.