Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT)
Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (AVNRT): Understanding, Diagnosis, and Treatment
What is Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (AVNRT)?
Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) is a type of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, and is the most common form of supraventricular tachycardia. Individuals with AVNRT often experience a sudden onset and cessation of an abnormally rapid heartbeat, often exceeding 100 beats per minute. This condition arises from disrupted cardiac signaling, typically involving an extra pathway known as a reentrant circuit, which causes premature heartbeats.
Who is Affected by AVNRT?
AVNRT primarily affects young females, but it can occur in individuals of any age. While not always requiring treatment, interventions can include specific maneuvers, medications, or cardiac procedures.
Diagnosis of AVNRT
Diagnosing AVNRT involves several tests to determine the cause and nature of the irregular heartbeat:
- Blood Tests: Assess thyroid function and screen for heart disease or other potential triggers of arrhythmias.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures heart electrical activity and rhythm.
- Holter Monitor: Tracks heart activity during daily routines, potentially capturing irregular heartbeats missed by standard ECGs.
- Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to visualize the heart's structure, size, and motion.
- Additional Tests: Exercise stress tests and electrophysiological studies with cardiac mapping may be conducted to induce AVNRT and pinpoint its origin within the heart.
Treatment Options for AVNRT
Most individuals with AVNRT may not require treatment. However, persistent or frequent episodes might necessitate intervention, including:
Simple actions such as coughing or massaging the neck's main artery can help modulate heart rate by stimulating the vagus nerve.
This procedure involves electrically shocking the heart through paddles or patches to restore normal rhythm when vagal maneuvers and medications are ineffective.
Prescription drugs may be recommended to regulate heart rate if episodes occur frequently.
If medications fail to produce desired outcomes or cause intolerable side effects, catheter ablation may be suggested. This procedure involves inserting catheters into veins or arteries and guiding them to the heart to create small scars using heat or cold energy. These scars disrupt irregular electrical signals, restoring a normal heart rhythm.
Living with AVNRT
Understanding atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) and seeking appropriate diagnosis and treatment can help manage this condition effectively. If you experience symptoms of AVNRT, such as sudden rapid heartbeats, consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and to discuss the best treatment options for your situation.
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