Supraventricular Tachycardia

A School Nurse’s Experience With Supraventricular Tachycardia

“…Triggers for SVT may include exercise, physical or emotional stress, alcohol, and cigarette smoking. Women are twice as likely as men to experience paroxysmal SVT (Patti & Ashurst, 2022). In premenopausal women, hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle may be related to an increased prevalence of SVT episodes (Schreuder et al, 2019).…”

“…At times, the electrical impulse may become erroneously stuck on the accessory pathway and will cycle back repeatedly in a rapid, loop-like fashion (Kotadia et al, 2020). Signs and symptoms of SVT can include anxiety, palpitations, chest discomfort, lightheadedness, or dyspnea (Patti & Ashurst, 2022). Some patients may not experience any symptoms.…”

“…These attempts can include asking a patient to blow on their thumb as if it were a trumpet (Valsalva maneuver), to "bear down" or strain as if they are having a bowel movement, to place ice to the face and forehead as if they were plunged into an icy bath (diving reflex), and to perform a handstand with adult supervision. Vagal maneuvers should be maintained for 10 to 15 seconds (Patti & Ashurst, 2022). If vagal maneuvers are not successful and the rhythm continues for an extended period of time, chemical (medication) cardioversion in a hospital setting is the next step.…”