Hello patyhelen-ga!
With my husband?s help (he is a physician) I was able to find some
information for you. This answer in no way is a substitute for the
opinion of a qualified medical professional that you trust. With that
said, here is the answer.
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Normal heart rhythm is regulated by a system of electric conduction.
There are multiple collections of fibers that are called ?nodes? and
these ultimately maintain a normal, regular rhythm. The system can
?short circuit? in a number of locations, causing the heart to beat
more quickly. Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) is one
type of rapid heart rate. In most, otherwise healthy young people,
PSVT is not intrinsically harmful. There is a nice, simple overview on
the Merck website.
?Paroxysmal supraventricular (atrial) tachycardia is a regular, fast
(160 to 200 beats per minute) heart rate that begins and ends suddenly
and originates in heart tissue other than that in the ventricles.
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is most common among young
people and is more unpleasant than dangerous. It may occur during
vigorous exercise.
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia may be triggered by a
premature heartbeat that repeatedly activates the heart at a fast
rate. This repeated, rapid activation may be caused by several
abnormalities. There may be two electrical pathways in the
atrioventricular node (an arrhythmia called atrioventricular nodal
reentrant supraventricular tachycardia). There may be an abnormal
electrical pathway between the atria and the ventricles (an arrhythmia
called atrioventricular reciprocating supraventricular tachycardia).
Much less commonly, the atria may generate abnormal rapid or circling
impulses (an arrhythmia called true paroxysmal atrial tachycardia).?
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec03/ch027/ch027d.html
This emedicine.com article mentions common symptoms of people
experiencing PSVT. It also discusses some cases where PSVT can become
dangerous.
?Palpitations and dizziness are the most common symptoms reported by
patients with SVT. Chest discomfort may be secondary to a rapid heart
rate, and it frequently subsides with the termination of the
tachycardia. . . .
Synchronized cardioversion [similar to defibrillation] starting at 50
J can be used immediately in patients who are hypotensive [low blood
pressure], have pulmonary edema [fluid retention in the lungs], have
chest pain with ischemia [heart damage due to low oxygen], or are
otherwise unstable.?
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1762.htm
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In short, this rapid heart rate can be uncomfortable and cause
dizziness or chest discomfort, but is not necessarily ?dangerous.?
This of course depends a great deal upon the state of health of the
one experiencing PSVT. If there are any other questions or concerns,
be sure to discuss these with a qualified health professional that you
trust.
I hope you found this information to be helpful! If you have any need
of further clarification, please let me know how I can help.
Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga
Search terms:
paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia |
