Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

SVT is a type of rapid heart rhythm that originates from the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria. This condition can cause a sudden increase in heart rate, typically above 150 beats per minute, which can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

SVT can occur in people of all ages, and it may be triggered by various factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, or certain medications. patients with SVT have an electrical short circuit which fires from time to time.

Ablation is a medical procedure used to treat SVT. The procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting under local anesthetic with sedation or light anaesthesia.

During the procedure, the doctor inserts thin, flexible tubes called catheters into the veins in the groin and guides them to the heart. The catheters are equipped with electrodes that can deliver radiofrequency energy to create lesions on the abnormal heart tissue. This process is called radiofrequency ablation.

After the procedure, the patient will usually stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring. Recovery time varies, but most people can resume their normal activities within a few days to a week.

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