Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Dr. Kulick received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Southern California, School of Medicine. He performed his residency in internal medicine at the Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center and a fellowship in the section of cardiology at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
How is paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) diagnosed?
The diagnosis of PSVT is based upon interpretation of the heart rate monitor
and electrocardiogram. Sometimes the diagnosis is difficult because the rapid
heart rate resolves before the patient presents for medical care. In these
cases, where there is a recurrent pattern of palpitations, the care provider may
suggest a test known as a Holter monitor. This is a small device worn for 24 or
48 hours that records every heart beat and may give a clue as to the underlying
cause of the palpitations. If this fails to give direction, a 30-day event
monitor may be considered. Again, a small monitor is worn, but with this device
the patient triggers the recording when the palpitations begin.
How is paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) treated?
Treatment for PSVT is directed at resetting the electrical conduction of the
heart.
Maneuvers to stimulate the vagus nerve and slow the heart may be the first line
treatment. These include straining as if to have a bowel movement or putting
cold water on the face. Otherwise, intravenous medications, like adenosine, can
be used to convert the heart to a normal rate and rhythm. Less commonly,
electrical cardioversion can be used to shock the heart into a normal electrical
pattern when other treatments have failed.
How can paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) be prevented?
There are several measures that may help prevent PVST. Caffeine, alcohol,
over-the-counter cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine, and
smoking are
all associated with recurrences. Medications, such as
beta blockers,
calcium channel blockers, or
primary anti-arrhythmia drugs, can be used to control heart rhythm. An
electrophysiology study, a procedure similar to a heart catheterization but
focusing on the electrical system instead of the blood vessels, can identify
abnormal electrical pathways.
Radio frequency ablation can often be used to destroy short circuits to
prevent recurrence of PSVT. The aggressiveness of preventive measures depends on
the frequency and severity of the PSVT episodes.
Palpitations are unpleasant sensations of irregular and/or forceful beating of the heart. Palpitations can be relieved in many patients by stress reduction, stopping cigarettes, and reduction of caffeine and alcohol.
Heart rhythm disorders vary from minor palpitations, premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), sinus tachycardia, and sinus brachycardia, to abnormal heart rhythms such as tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular flutter, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), Wolf-White-Parkinson syndrome, brachycardia, or heart blocks. Treatment is dependant upon the type of heart rhythm disorder.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a condition in which abnormal electrical pathways in the heart cause arrhythmias. Symptoms of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome include tachycardia, dizziness, palpitations, fainting, and shortness of breath. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a common cause of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is caused by mutations in the PRKAG2 gene.
The heart is a very important organ in the body. It is responsible for continuously pumping oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout your body to sustain life. It is a fist-sized muscle that beats (expands and contracts) 100,000 times per day, pumping a total of five or six quarts of blood each minute, or about 2,000 gallons per day.
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