What are the risks if you do not treat Supraventricular Tachycardia?

Question

I have previously been diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachyacardia 3 years ago, at the time I had the ablation done to stop the problem. My palpitations have started back up again and I am worried about taking any more action. I have seen a doctor and have been given Lanoxin and have not taken it. What are the risks if any involved with SVT if I choose not to have it fixed??

Answer 1

You risk possible heart failure. Are you ready for that?

Answer 2

SVT is relatively safe and most patients do not develop heart failure unless tachycardia is very frequent and prolonged.

The main potential risk in some people is a drop in blood pressure during the episode which may cause lightheadedness and possible fainting.

Treatment for SVT really depends on your symptoms and age. If it is infrequent then either close observation or drug therapy (eg. beta blocker, calcuim blocker) is recommended. If it is frequent or you get significant symptoms then consideration to a repeat EP study or drug therapy should be discussed with your cardiologist.

PS. digoxin (lanoxin) is used cautiously in SVT as there is a risk of accelerated accessory pathway conduction in WPW syndrome which can be dangerous. Please confirm with the cardiologist.

Regards.

Answer 3

The biggest risk for SVT is the chance of a blood clot coming from the ventricles where it can form. The atrium are beating faster than the ventricles which allows the blood to lay there longer and possibly cause clots. Another risk is enlargement of the heart muscle itself leading to ineffective pumping of the heart or stretching of the heart muscle, therefore leading to heart failure.
The usual treatment of recurring svt is blood thinners and blockers to control the rate, thus, eliminating these risks.

Answer 4

Briefly speaking the outcome of SVT if untreated are as under:

Complications

* Haemodynamic collapse can occur. This is more likely in people with underlying heart disease who are unable to tolerate increases in heart rate.
* Deep vein thrombosis
* Systemic embolism
* Cardiac tamponade
* Rare complications include myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, syncope, and sudden death.
* SVT that persists for weeks or months may lead to a tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy.

Prognosis

* Prognosis is dependent on any underlying structural heart disease.
* Patients with a structurally normal heart have an excellent prognosis.
* In the absence of manifest pre-excitation (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome), the risk of sudden death is very small.