How is paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia managed?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 30-year-old male, and I have had a heart condition since I was three years old. My heartbeat becomes very fast all of a sudden. What is the name of my heart problem? The ECG report was abnormal. I am taking Ayurvedic medicines for this condition. A doctor recommended surgery, but I do not want to undergo an operation.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your heart condition is a cardiac arrhythmia called PSVT (paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia), where the heart rate suddenly increases and then suddenly decreases. Blood pressure may drop during these episodes, causing dizziness, fainting, blackouts, and sometimes syncope.

To stop these episodes, you can try coughing forcefully or performing a neck massage as advised. There are two options for managing this condition. If it is well controlled with medication and you do not wish to undergo electrophysiological studies, you can continue with the medication, but you will need to take it for life. Electrophysiological studies, which are invasive but considered a minor procedure, can often treat the arrhythmia permanently in most cases. During this procedure, the doctor accesses your heart through an artery using a needle and wire.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.