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
UAB Cardiovascular Institute delivers optimal patient care for heart rhythm disorders. You will be cared for by regional and world leaders in the treatment of heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia, and other heart rhythm abnormalities.
Our physicians evaluate the newest treatments and technologies and author professional publications that advance the field of arrhythmia treatment. Their extensive experience and academic backgrounds ensure that they are familiar with all types of heart rhythm disorders. Our academic medical center performs more than 600 heart rhythm-related procedures each year, and our success in treating all types of complex arrhythmias is well-documented. Our electrophysiologists have access to the UAB Cardiovascular Institute, one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast. It features the most advanced technology available, including four procedural suites dedicated to electrophysiology (the electrical signals in the heart). At UAB Medicine you are part of a program that carries out pioneering work in atrial fibrillation and advanced pacemaker and cardioverter defibrillator design.
VIDEOS
Heart Acton Video Tour
Heart Acton (fixed) from UAB Health System on Vimeo.
Take a video tour of the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Acton Road.
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.
RELATED SERVICES
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 TrialsMORE INFO
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Study shows some heart disease patients implanted with a VAD have better survival and are more likely to receive a heart transplant
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UAB Cardiovascular Institute is Nationally Recognized for its Commitment to Providing High-Quality Heart Care
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Heart-Healthy Tailgates for the Win
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UAB Physicians Using Mpirik Cardiac Intelligence to Address Health Inequities
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Recent Advancements Make it Easier to Live Well with Atrial Fibrillation