Risk factors

Supraventricular tachycardia is the most common type of arrhythmia in infants and children. It also tends to occur twice as often in women, particularly pregnant women, though it may occur in either sex.

Other factors that may increase your risk of supraventricular tachycardia include:

• Age. Some types of supraventricular tachycardia are more common in people who are middle-aged or older.
• Coronary artery disease, other heart problems and previous heart surgery. Narrowed heart arteries, a heart attack, abnormal heart valves, prior heart surgery, heart failure, cardiomyopathy and other heart damage increase your risk of developing supraventricular tachycardia.
• Congenital heart disease. Being born with a heart abnormality may affect your heart's rhythm.
• Thyroid problems. Having an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can increase your risk of supraventricular tachycardia.
• Drugs and supplements. Certain over-the-counter cough and cold medicines and certain prescription drugs may contribute to an episode of supraventricular tachycardia.
• Anxiety or emotional stress
• Physical fatigue
• Diabetes. Your risk of developing coronary artery disease and high blood pressure greatly increases with uncontrolled diabetes.
• Obstructive sleep apnea. This disorder, in which your breathing is interrupted during sleep, can increase your risk of supraventricular tachycardia.
• Nicotine and illegal drug use. Nicotine and illegal drugs, such as amphetamines and cocaine, may profoundly affect the heart and trigger an episode of supraventricular tachycardia.