Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a condition where the heart suddenly beats much faster than normal. It is an irregularly fast or erratic heartbeat that affects the hearts upper chambers. SVT happens when the electrical system that controls the heart rhythm is not working properly, causing the heart to suddenly beat much faster. A normal resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm), but with SVT, the heart rate suddenly goes above 100 bpm. SVT is not usually serious, but some people may need treatment.

There are different types of SVT, including atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), and atrial tachycardia. Some types of SVT are more common in people who are middle-aged or older, and others are more commonly diagnosed in people who have heart disease.

Symptoms of SVT include a sudden increase in heart rate, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, and fainting. If you experience these symptoms, its important to get it checked out by a doctor.

Treatment for SVT may not be necessary if the episodes only last a few minutes and do not bother you. However, if you experience frequent or prolonged episodes, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or heart procedures to control or eliminate the rapid heartbeats and related symptoms.

Some things you can do to help with SVT include cutting down on the amount of caffeine or alcohol you drink, stopping or reducing smoking, and avoiding certain triggers. If you cannot resolve the SVT on your own, you may need to see your doctor or go to the emergency room for a fast-acting medication or even electrical cardioversion, a procedure that uses an electric current to reset the hearts rhythm.