Symptoms

Supraventricular tachycardia may come and go suddenly, with stretches of normal heart rates in between. Symptoms may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, and some people have no symptoms at all.

Supraventricular tachycardia becomes a problem when it occurs frequently and is ongoing, particularly if you have heart damage or other coexisting medical problems.

Signs and symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia may include:

• A fluttering in your chest
• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Sweating
• A pounding sensation in the neck
• Fainting (syncope) or near fainting

In infants and very young children, signs and symptoms may be difficult to identify. Sweating, poor feeding, pale skin and infants with a pulse rate greater than 200 beats per minute may have supraventricular tachycardia.

When to see a doctor

Supraventricular tachycardia is generally not life-threatening unless you have other heart disorders, but you should talk to your doctor if you are experiencing bothersome symptoms.

Some signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting or near fainting, may be related to a serious health condition.

Seek urgent medical care if you suddenly or frequently experience any of these signs and symptoms at a time when you wouldn't expect to feel them.

In extreme cases, an episode of SVT may cause you to pass out.