Diagnosing Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Diagnosing Supraticular Tachycardia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rhythm that originates in the upper chambers of the heart. It can be a challenging condition to diagnose, especially if symptoms are not present consistently. This article provides a detailed guide to help patients understand what to expect during a physical exam to diagnose SVT.
What to Expect During a Physical Exam for SVT
When visiting your doctor to diagnose SVT, the initial step is often an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This quick and painless test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help rule out other issues. However, the challenge with SVT is that it may not be active during the test, making a conclusive diagnosis difficult.
What Your Doctor Might Do
First, the doctor will look for any obvious signs or symptoms, which might include a rapid heart rate, palpitations, or discomfort. If these signs are not present, the doctor will closely examine the EKG report. SVT can be hard to detect on a static EKG, and many patients are often cleared as 'fit as a fiddle.'
Signs of SVT
Signs and symptoms of SVT typically include:
Rapid heart rate (often between 150 and 250 beats per minute) Sudden heart palpitations Lightheadedness or dizziness Shortness of breath Feeling weak or fatigued Chest pain or discomfortDuring a physical exam, the doctor may also check your pulse, blood pressure, and listen to your heart with a stethoscope to look for irregular rhythms or other signs.
Specific Tests for SVT
If SVT is suspected but not detected during a standard EKG, your doctor may suggest further diagnostic tests. These can include:
24-Hour Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor continuously records your heart's electrical activity over a 24-hour period. While useful, it is less effective if you only experience SVT episodes occasionally. It may not capture an episode if you do not wear the monitor during a critical time.
30-Day Event Recorder
For patients with occasional SVT episodes, a 30-day event recorder is a more effective option. This device allows you to manually record your heart's rhythm when symptoms occur, or it can detect and record irregular heartbeats automatically.
During an episode, your doctor may ask you to come to the hospital or an urgent care center to have a recording of your SVT taken while it is in progress. However, this can be challenging due to discomfort, anxiety, or other reasons.
Triggering SVT Episodes
Some patients may use specific techniques to trigger a SVT episode for monitoring purposes. For example, the Valsalva maneuver, which involves holding your breath while straining as if you are having a bowel movement, can help initiate an episode in some cases. This technique may be used to capture a more accurate heart rhythm during the episode.
Seeking Professional Help
It's important to be persistent with your healthcare provider. Many primary care physicians (PCPs) and general practitioners (GPs) may not be familiar with SVT. Stay informed about your condition and advocate for the appropriate diagnostic tools and follow-up appointments.
When you feel confident that you have SVT, provide detailed information about your symptoms, including when they occur and their characteristics. If necessary, bring recordings of your heart rate or request a referral to a cardiologist.
A cardiologist has specialized training and may have access to advanced diagnostic tools, such as aHolter monitor or event recorder. They can also conduct a thorough physical exam and may recommend electrophysiological studies to better understand the underlying cause of your SVT.
Proven Techniques for Diagnosing SVT
In some cases, a 30-day event recorder can capture a significant episode of SVT. This device not only records the heart's rhythm when triggered but can also detect irregularities automatically. Once a significant episode is captured, your doctor can analyze the data and identify the precise moments when the SVT occurred.
Comprehensive testing often includes both manual monitoring and automated detection. This approach increases the likelihood of capturing an SVT episode and identifying the underlying cause, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) or a specific form of atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT).
Conclusion
Diagnosing SVT can be a challenging process, but with persistence and knowledge, you can work with your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis. If you suspect you have SVT, insist on the appropriate diagnostic tools and follow-up, and don't be discouraged if your initial attempts at diagnosis are inconclusive.