The term supraventricular tachycardia would be nothing but a tongue-twisting medical term for many of us. But here is a more straightforward definition: The term refers to an unusually rapid heart rhythm, at more than 220 beats per minute in infants, and over 180 beats per minute in children.
The diagnosis and SVT treatment are necessary. In most cases, infants diagnosed with SVT before the age of one are expected to have their condition resolved.
Let us shift our focus to the treatment part.
What is the Treatment for Supraventricular Tachycardia?
Supraventricular tachycardia treatment is tailored to the patient's condition. It can be a multifaceted approach or a single treatment procedure. What are the methods available to medical science today?
- Medicines: If SVT occurs often, the doctor may prescribe pills to control the heart rate or make it beat at the normal rate. Propranolol is the most commonly used beta-blocker in children. Usually, it is stopped after 6 - 12 months. However, all of this is gauged by the doctor.
- Massage: Doctors also try massaging the patient with SVT. They press gently on the neck to slow the heart by releasing certain chemicals. However, don't try this yourself.
- Home remedies: There are some vagal manoeuvres to treat SVT, too. These impact the vagal nerves and help treat the condition. Some of the vagal manoeuvres are:
- Pinch your nose and close your mouth while you try to breathe out for 20 seconds. The pressure in your head can change your blood pressure and help your heart rate return to normal.
- Cough a few times.
- Dip your face into a bowl filled with icy water.
- Catheter ablation: This is a procedure whereby doctors use small tubes to fix the heart's electrical signals, usually by making tiny scars inside the heart. Various have proven its effectiveness.
- Pacemaker: In rare instances, a small device called a pacemaker might be needed to help the heart beat regularly. It involves surgery.
Conclusion
These are the commonly used methods in SVT treatment. We have some idea now about how the condition is treated. It is also essential to focus on health insurance. These procedures can be an onerous burden on your pockets, so take a step now! Invest in health insurance today to mitigate your financial burden.