Supraventricular Tachycardia

Supraventricular Tachycardia

When to Call a Doctor

Call 911 or seek emergency services immediately if you have a fast heart rate and you:

  • Faint or feel as though you are going to faint.
  • Have severe shortness of breath.
  • Have chest pain.
  • Have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

Call your doctor if you are having fluttering in your chest (palpitations) that persists and does not go away quickly or if you have frequent palpitations.

If you have a pacemaker

Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms that could mean your device is not working properly, such as:

  • Your heartbeat is very fast or slow, skipping, or fluttering.
  • You feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.
  • You have shortness of breath that is new or getting worse.

Who to see

Health professionals who can evaluate symptoms of a fast or irregular heartbeat include:

Most people who have supraventricular tachycardia need to see a cardiologist or electrophysiologist for follow-up care.

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