Introduction
It is normal for sports and stress to make your heart rate go up. But sometimes a very fast heart rate (tachycardia) is caused by a medical problem instead. It is felt as a racing heart and can be unpleasant. The possible causes include a high fever, thyroid problems and heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
In this article we will focus on another type of heart rhythm disorder, known as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). In PSVT, people have (usually) short episodes where their heart beats too fast. Their heart rate suddenly goes up and then normally goes back down on its own after a few minutes. The heart still beats at regular intervals. This heart rhythm problem arises in the upper heart chambers, or in the area where the upper and lower chambers meet.
Many people can stop their heart from racing by holding their breath and straining to increase the pressure in their chest and belly area – a bit like when trying to make hiccups go away.
PSVT episodes generally don't have any serious consequences. But certain forms of PSVT can lead to complications. Even then, the complications can usually be treated effectively, and a catheter procedure can be done to prevent them over the long term.