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    Supraventricular Tachycardia

    Supraventricular Tachycardia



    Cause

    Two common types of supraventricular tachycardia—atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT)—are caused by an abnormal Reference electrical pathway in the heart and often occur in people who do not have any other type of heart disease. What causes this abnormal pathway might not be clear.

    Some experts believe that AVRT—specifically Reference Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome—may in some cases be inherited.

    For more information about how SVT happens, see the topic Reference Types of Supraventricular Tachycardia.

    Other types of supraventricular tachycardia may be caused by:

    • Overly high levels of the heart medicine digoxin (such as Lanoxin) or the bronchodilator theophylline .
    • Other serious health problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, pneumonia, or metabolic problems.
    • Heart surgery in the upper chambers of the heart, such as surgery for a congenital heart defect.



    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference August 9, 2012
    Medical Review: Reference Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
    Reference John M. Miller, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology


    This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


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