Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a type of arrhythmia—or irregular heart rhythm—that affects around 1.7 million Americans—a number that is likely low because the condition is often difficult to diagnose. PSVT causes the heart to beat too quickly—during PSVT episodes, the heart can race and jump from the normal 60 to 100 beats per minute, up to 250 beats per minute. These episodes can start and stop without warning and can last from seconds to hours. While typically not dangerous, it’s important to properly diagnose PSVT to make sure it’s not a more serious type of arrhythmia, and to properly treat your episodes if they impact your heart health or your quality of life.

Watch this short video to learn more about the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options for PSVT. You don’t need to live in constant fear of your next PSVT episode. Take charge and talk to your healthcare professional about how you can live a normal life.

• Also available in Spanish
• To download a closed-caption copy of the films for off-line use, email [email protected].

Click here to learn more about arrhythmias.
Click here to learn more about atrial fibrillation, a common type of arrhythmia.