What does svt feel like?

If you’ve ever experienced Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), you know it’s not exactly a picnic. The rapid heart rate, pounding chest, and lightheadedness can be overwhelming for anyone. But let’s take a closer look at what an SVT episode actually feels like.

Heart Racing Like a Cheetah

The signature symptom of SVT is an abnormally fast heartbeat. It can feel like your ticker has become possessed by the Roadrunner, going so fast that it might just break right out of your chest.

Most people who experience an SVT episode report their heart rate around 150-200 beats per minute (bpm). That might not sound too crazy compared to say, running full-speed through those endless airport hallways to catch your flight on time – but remember , this is happening when your body is completely still!

This high “tachy” rhythm results from electrical impulses within the upper chambers of your heart taking over and exceeding the normal pacing function designated for these areas.

During typical cardio rhythms all the ventricles effectively co-contract with each atrial beat or impulse every single time accomplishing forward cardiac output i.e. pumping blood in the direction we want it to go in our bodies!

But with tachy arrhythmias such as SVT because there are usually many atrial contractions per one ventricular contraction/deviation time , significantly less amounts (<50%) of any given chamber’s initial ends up properly filling its respective lower counterpart complexly sufficient to perform adequate purposes alone or in tandem upon subsequent events…

Just kidding! We’re not here for medical jargon overload (yes we are).

Here’s a group list summary:

  • Your “ticker” goes really fast.
  • People, patients specifically – have reported their heart rates jump between 150–200 bpm.
  • You’ll feel this “roadrunner” speed even when you are not actively running around.

A Pounding Sensation

If your racing heart has you sounding like a construction site, odds are pretty high that the pounding sensation will definitely follow along with it. It can feel like your chest is being repeatedly hammered or someone is playing Whac-A-Mole in there.

While some people may find the pattern distasteful, at least it’s distinct and leaves no room for debate!

SVT causes an irregular sequence of electrical triggers to occur within our hearts causing chambers to super compensate their volume. This leads to extra force distributed evenly throughout all myocardial cells; whose receptors then run wild creating variations in sensations felt externally (in-chest) as well as internal(think flutter)(still kidding).

But here’s what we really care about:

  • When your heart goes fast due to SVT, a pounding sensation accompanies!
  • Heart pounds become more noticeable during episodes
  • Chest feels heavy and thumping

Lightheadedness And Dizziness Galore

Feeling light-headed or dizzy typically follows closely on the heels of an SVT episode which makes sense since our brains require sufficient blood oxygen levels flowing through them continuously!

An aggressive catecholamine (our fear response chemical) dump occurs when our body detects such arrhythmias resulting from abnormal pathways rather than normal sinous/imposed rates. Short-lived spikes aside – significant amounts cause vasodilation leading to hypotension (low BP). This insufficient perfusion impairs cognitive functions and delayed reperfusion from reversing said insults also impacts us negatively too! Therefore balance equilibriums go haywire making us seem silly one minute then promptly effecting disorientation until balance rectified again…usually just in time for next event…

To summarize:

  • Feeling lightheaded and dizzy after an SVT episode is common.
  • Dizziness can occur during the episode itself, but usually follows when it is over.

Shortness Of Breath

When your heart is racing like a cheetah and you are struggling to breathe, there’s no doubt that feeling air-starved is probably the last thing that comes to mind. It doesn’t help either that both our respiratory centers in our brainstem have to cope with altered flow rates as well which easily throws off metabolic balances!

In reality though, shortness of breath (SOB) is an inevitable part of an SVT episode because of this missed opportunity at synchronization!

Oxygen delivery limitations also stem from failing cardiovascular pumps adding fuel to the already “dyspneic” fire…

Recap:

  • Shortness of breath frequently accompanies episodes.
  • Makes breathing difficult while gasping for air.

Chest Pain’s Unwanted Entrance

To add insult to injury , chest pain can accompany this whole ordeal too! The sensation could range anywhere from mild discomfort/rubbing against bricks level, through sharp stabs or even burning rings reminiscent of Lord Of The Rings Mordor heartburn explosions…Either way such autonomic runaway responses leaving little room for tasty thoughts unsynchronized movements exasperate anxiety stakes making everything seem like doom has descended again!

Summary:

  • Chest pain will appear uninvited during/after episodes.
  • This symptom varies between different degrees and sensations: moderate-to-severe levels or high intensity discomfort often suffixed by “tightening”.

Sweaty Palms And Shaky Knees

It’s not just the racing heartbeat and light-headedness; other symptoms such as sweaty palms make their unwanted appearance here too. When your body detects a significant threat i.e. tachycardia – prepare for battle mode e.g., sweating all over including on those handholding parts followed sometimes after especially long-lasting events (without ever seeking medical attention🤔), by pronounced systemic stress responses (shaky limbs, rapid breathing, etc.).

Recap:

  • Sweaty palms during episodes are frustratingly common.
  • Shaking knees also appear to be in the cards here as well.

The Bright Side of SVT – Feeling Better Post-Episode

The good news is that after an episode has completed; you’ll typically notice a marked decrease in the symptoms previously mentioned. Heart rate normalizes and palpitations subside. Falling back into our “normal rhythm” self so-to-speak!

Enduring just one bout can bring relief period without needing prescription medication or invasive procedures (as long as it lasts less than 20 seconds)! And If left untreated for weeks or longer potentially dangerous side-effects can eventually manifest themselves prompting abnormal electrical pathways later on!

Recap:

  • After an episode subsides somewhat i.e., heart rhythm returns to regular patterns!
  • Symptoms like SOB, sweating/restlessness go away too…finally!

Final Thoughts

SVT probably isn’t going anywhere anytime soon , which means understanding its symptoms become increasingly more important with time..Although corrective action taken against such arrythmias often occurs in short hospital stays or out-patient clinics – detecting these conditions earlier saves lives – literally! Remember guys and gals always talk with your medical team about any ongoing irregularities and don’t forget: “Step lightly!”

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