Supraventricular tachycardia - Symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

If you have supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), you will usually have periods where you feel your heart beating very quickly.

Even though your heart is beating faster, the gaps between heartbeats should still be regular. If your heartbeat is fast and irregular, it is more likely you have a different heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation.

Other symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia include:

• chest pain 
• dizziness 
• light-headedness
• breathlessness
• fatigue (tiredness)

On rare occasions, you may faint because of a drop in blood pressure.

Symptoms of SVT can last for seconds, minutes, hours or longer (in rare cases). Some people experience symptoms several times a day, whereas others may only have episodes once or twice a year.

When to see a doctor

Although SVT is rarely life-threatening, you should contact your GP as soon as possible if you experience symptoms of the condition.

If you experience severe chest pain or breathing difficulties, or you feel very faint, call 999 for an ambulance.