AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia
Atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia, or AVNRT, is a condition in which the heart’s rhythm is too fast. It is one of several types of tachycardia (fast rhythm) of the heart. It also is a type of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), meaning that it originates from a location within the heart above the bundle of heart muscle cells that help control the heart’s rhythm. AVNRT is the most common type of supraventricular tachycardia, and it is more common in women than men (approximately 75% of cases occur in females). The main symptom is heart palpitations, which is a sensation that feels like the heart is beating too hard, fluttering, or skipping a beat. Treatments vary but include medication or, in some cases, electric shocks designed to restore a normal heart rhythm (a treatment called cardioversion). Frequent AVNRT attacks may require a treatment called radiofrequency ablation, in which the tissue in the heart that is causing the fast rhythm is destroyed.
Why UAB
Atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia, or AVNRT, is a condition in which the heart’s rhythm is too fast. It is one of several types of tachycardia (fast rhythm) of the heart. It also is a type of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), meaning that it originates from a location within the heart above the bundle of heart muscle cells that help control the heart’s rhythm. AVNRT is the most common type of supraventricular tachycardia, and it is more common in women than men (approximately 75% of cases occur in females). The main symptom is heart palpitations, which is a sensation that feels like the heart is beating too hard, fluttering, or skipping a beat. Treatments vary but include medication or, in some cases, electric shocks designed to restore a normal heart rhythm (a treatment called cardioversion). Frequent AVNRT attacks may require a treatment called radiofrequency ablation, in which the tissue in the heart that is causing the fast rhythm is destroyed.
VIDEOS
Understand the risk factors and symptoms of heart arrhythmias, and when it is important for you to see a doctor.
Arrhythmia Risk Factors, Symptoms, & Treatments
If you've ever felt your heart skip a beat, you may have an arrhythmia. Tom McElderry, MD, an arrhythmia specialist at UAB, talks to Daytime Alabama on WVTM-TV, Channel 13, in Birmingham, Ala., about the symptoms and risk factors of arrhythmia, and what to do if you or a loved one experiences this condition.
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CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical Trials