Supraventricular Tachycardia, SVT

Supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT, is a condition in which the heart beats too fast, which can prevent the body from getting enough blood flow. SVT begins in the upper chambers of the heart (atria), which are located above the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles), and is caused by abnormal electrical signals in the heart. SVT does not always cause problems, but in more serious cases it can result in symptoms such as light-headedness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It becomes a problem when episodes are frequent, last a long time, or symptoms are present. SVT is sometimes called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) or paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT); paroxysmal means “from time to time”.

Watch animation of catheter ablation procedure

Why UAB

UAB Heart & Vascular Services 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 Heart and Vascular Center, 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.

Images and Videos

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.

PHYSICIANS

William Randolph Maddox

Tom McElderry, MD

Vance J. Plumb, MD

Takumi Yamada, MD

Related Conditions

Listed below are some conditions that may be related to or share some similarities with the condition addressed on this page.

Arrhythmia

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

RELATED SERVICES

Cardiac Catheter Ablation

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular 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