Aerobic exercise requires the heart, lungs and skeletal muscles to work hard in order to build strength and endurance. During exercise, most people experience an increased heart rate, increased breathing rate and muscle soreness. Pain or difficulty breathing are usual signals to stop the activity and seek medical advice. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a form of rapid heart rate that can occur for some people during very vigorous exercise.
Signs and Symptoms of PSVT
Someone with PSVT will usually have a normal heart rate most of the time. When experiencing PSVT, you could have a heart rate between 150 and 250 beats per minute. Symptoms may include anxiety, chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, rapid pulse, dizziness and sometimes fainting.
Risk Factors for PSVT
The condition may happen during times of stress, rigorous exercise or any time at all. Certain factors can increase the risk for PSVT such as smoking, caffeine use, alcohol use and illicit drug use. PSVT most commonly occurs in infants and young adults.
Exams and Tests
Diagnosis of PSVT may be difficult due to the sporadic nature of the condition. Often a long term heart study is required to diagnose and determine the best treatment. The most common method of study is a Holter Monitor that records the patient's heart rate at all times during a 24-hour period. During the PSVT episode, the electrocardiogram will show a specific rhythm associated with the PSVT.
Treatment
PSVT is not life-threatening for most people. In fact, many people do not have any symptoms. If necessary, PSVT can be treated with medications, a pacemaker, cardioversion, surgery and radiofrequency catheter ablation.
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