Fast Heart, Real Answers: Local Cardiologists Explain SVT
Heart Month is an important time to raise awareness about conditions that affect the heart’s rhythm and overall health. One condition that often surprises patients is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a type of rapid heart rhythm that can occur even in otherwise healthy individuals.
Cardiology specialists serving the Crossroads region are helping the community better understand what SVT is, why it happens, and what treatment options are available.
What Causes SVT? According to Dr. Ashraf AbuSara, Interventional Cardiologist and Cardiology Program Director at Citizens Medical Center, Supraventricular Tachycardia is primarily an electrical issue within the heart. “Supraventricular tachycardia occurs when there’s an abnormal electrical circuit in the upper chambers of the heart. In many patients, this extra pathway is something they’re simply born with. It’s not necessarily caused by heart disease. It’s often just the way the heart’s electrical system is wired.”
While the underlying cause is usually electrical, certain factors can trigger episodes. “Stress, caffeine, alcohol, illness, or electrolyte imbalances can trigger episodes, but the root cause is usually an electrical misfiring in the atria,” Dr. AbuSara explained.
Diagnosis begins with careful attention to symptoms and medical history. “Diagnosis starts with listening to the patient’s story. Typically, sudden onset and sudden termination of a rapid heartbeat is very characteristic,” said Dr. AbuSara. Physicians confirm the diagnosis using heart rhythm monitoring tools such as Electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor, and Event monitor. “The key is documenting the rhythm during symptoms. Once we see the electrical pattern, we can determine the specific type of SVT and guide treatment,” he added.
Who Is Most at Risk? SVT can affect people across the lifespan. “SVT can occur at any age, from children to older adults,” Dr. AbuSara noted. “Certain types are more common in younger individuals, while others become more frequent as we grow older.” Research and clinical experience show women are about twice as likely as men to develop SVT, risk increases with age, and older adults may have up to a five-fold higher risk compared to younger adults.
Can Healthy People Develop SVT? One of the most surprising aspects of SVT is who it affects. “Many patients with SVT have completely normal hearts structurally,” Dr. AbuSara said. “That’s one reason it can come as a surprise to many. It often affects otherwise healthy, active people. Having SVT does not necessarily mean you have heart disease. In most cases, it’s an electrical issue rather than a structural problem.”
What are the most common treatment options? When it comes to treatment, symptom burden and lifestyle impact often drive decision-making. Dr. Apoor Patel, Cardiac Electrophysiologist with Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates who treats patients in Victoria, says many patients seek definitive relief. “The symptoms are the primary deciding factor for many patients,” Dr. Patel explained. “SVT can cause palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sometimes patients pass out.” Because episodes are unpredictable, they can significantly disrupt daily life. “You can be traveling, driving, or at home with your kids when it happens. When people have recurrent symptoms and have to deal with that unpredictability, they often decide they want an ablation rather than trying to manage SVT with medications.” Medications may help control heart rate but typically do not eliminate SVT entirely. “Medications can prevent your heart from going as fast, but they will not completely eliminate SVT,” Dr. Patel said. “The only way to really prevent SVT is with an ablation.”
How Effective Is SVT Ablation? For many patients, catheter ablation offers a highly successful, minimally invasive solution. “SVT generally has a high success rate — upwards of 90–95% — without the need to return for a second ablation,” Dr. Patel noted. He adds that many patients prefer ablation to long-term medication use. “Patients don’t have to be exposed to medication side effects. They can live their life without worrying about SVT returning at an inopportune time.” Because of the strong outcomes and low complication rates, electrophysiologists often consider ablation early for appropriate candidates.
When should you seek medical attention? Community members should speak with a healthcare provider if they experience sudden rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or fainting episodes.
Early evaluation can help determine whether symptoms are related to SVT or another heart rhythm condition. During American Heart Month, cardiovascular specialists encourage the community to pay attention to heart rhythm symptoms and seek evaluation when something doesn’t feel right. With proper diagnosis and treatment, SVT is highly manageable and often curable.