Atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is an irregular heartbeat that can cause a high-speed heart rate between 140 and 280 beats per minute. This happens when electrical signals in the AV node get trapped in a looping circuit, making the heart beat fast. However, it is not dangerous normal. Sudden signs and symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Some people with Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia may additionally produce other coronary heart conditions, which makes early diagnosis critical. Doctors use an electrocardiogram (ECG) and sometimes other heart rhythm tests to diagnose AVNRT. Treatments encompass way-of-life changes, medicinal drugs, and, in extra severe cases, catheter ablation to control the heart rate and improve the pleasantness of life.
What is Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia?
It is a rapid heart rhythm disorder that originates above the heart’s ventricles. It is the most frequent cause of palpitations in individuals with structurally normal hearts. AVNRT happens when an electrical impulse forms a loop within the AV node, triggering a fast heartbeat that may cause symptoms like fast pulse and dizziness. Although generally not life-threatening, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia can be managed effectively with treatments such as medication and lifestyle changes. In some cases, specific procedures.
Symptoms of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia?
This rapid heartbeat often starts suddenly, and while AVNRT doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms when it does, it can range from mild to more severe.
Heart Sensations
Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia can cause a thumping feeling in the neck because of the rapid heartbeat. You may also feel a fast or fluttering heartbeat in your chest, where your heart races or beats irregularly. Abnormal electrical signals in the heart cause these feelings, and they often come on suddenly.
Chest Discomfort
Some people with AVNRT may feel chest tightness or pain. This can feel like pressure or discomfort in the chest, often made worse by the rapid heartbeat. The pain can vary in intensity and may cause anxiety, especially if the fast heart rate doesn’t stop quickly.
Dizziness and Lightheadedness
It is a common symptom when the heart beats too fast and doesn’t pump enough blood to the brain. As a result, you might feel unsteady or faint. If the rapid heartbeat continues, the dizziness could worsen and even lead to fainting.
Breathing Difficulties
Trouble breathing is another symptom of AVNRT. When the heart beats too fast, it doesn’t pump blood as efficiently, making breathing harder. You may feel short of breath, especially during physical activity or resting.
General Fatigue and Fainting
AVNRT can cause excessive sweating and fatigue even when you’re not doing anything active. You may also feel very tired or weak, even without exertion. This happens because the heart is working harder than usual. Sometimes, you could faint or feel like you’re going to faint if blood flow becomes disrupted during a period. These symptoms should be addressed to avoid complications.
Causes of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia
Normal heart conduction allows electrical signals to flow through the heart, making it beat steadily. Disruptions in this process can cause irregular heartbeats.
Normal Heart Conduction
In a healthy heart, electrical signals start at the SA node in the top right atrium, making the atria contract. The signal moves to the AV node, pauses briefly, and then goes to the ventricles. This smooth flow helps the heart beat in sync, pumping blood effectively. The heart rhythm becomes irregular if the electrical flow is disrupted, like in AVNRT.
Dual Pathways
The AV node has two pathways: a fast one and a slow one. These pathways are present from birth and usually work fine. However, if both pathways are involved in a reentrant loop, it can lead to fast heartbeats, as the electrical signal keeps circulating between them, causing AVNRT.
Premature Impulse
A premature heartbeat can disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm. In AVNRT, this early beat can enter the AV node and trigger the reentry circuit, causing the electrical impulse to loop. The signal keeps cycling within the heart, leading to a fast heart rate (tachycardia).
Reentry Circuit
The reentry circuit happens when the electrical impulse loops inside the AV node, traveling down the slow pathway and up the fast path. As the signal keeps repeating itself, this causes rapid heartbeats. The loop leads to an abnormal rhythm, which results in symptoms like palpitations and dizziness.
Triggers
Certain things can trigger it, like stress, caffeine, physical activity, or some medications. These factors can make the heart more likely to get a premature beat, which starts the reentry loop and causes fast heartbeats. Reducing stress and caffeine can help prevent it.
Familial Pattern
AVNRT can run in families, meaning it’s more common in people with relatives who have the condition. While researchers know it can be passed down, they haven’t found a specific gene responsible for it. Environmental factors or triggers can cause it, even without a family history.
Diagnosis of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia
Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia is a frequent rapid heartbeat issue that begins near the AV node. Doctors usually diagnose it through an ECG, which shows a fast heart rate with narrow QRS complexes. To confirm, they may do an electrophysiology study to check for abnormal electrical signals. People with AVNRT often experience symptoms like a racing heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Treatment of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia
Most people with AVNRT don’t need treatment, but frequent or long-lasting episodes might need care. Treatment options include vagal maneuvers(like coughing or placing an ice pack on the face) to slow the heart by acting on the vagus nerve. Cardioversion (applying electric shocks) may reset the heart rhythm if these don't work. Medications may be given to manage recurring. Catheter ablation might be suggested for severe cases, and this involves creating tiny scars in the heart to block irregular signals, mainly if medications cause side effects.
Conclusion
Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia is usually manageable. Most people don’t need treatment. Treatments for frequent or long-term issues range from simple actions like vagal maneuvers, which slow the heart by affecting the vagus nerve, to more advanced options. If these maneuvers don’t work, cardioversion using electrical shocks may restore a normal heartbeat. Medications can also help manage recurring time. Catheter ablation may be suggested for persistent cases where drugs are ineffective or have side effects. This minimally invasive method uses a catheter to make tiny scars in the heart to block abnormal signals and restore a regular heartbeat.
FAQ’s
What Causes AVNRT?
It happens when the heart’s electrical signals don't follow the usual path near the AV node, causing it to beat too fast. This can lead to symptoms like a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or trouble breathing.
What Are The Main Symptoms Of AVNRT?
Common symptoms are a fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and fainting in serious cases.
How Is Avnrt Diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose it with an ECG, which records the heart's electrical activity and shows signs of a fast heart rate. Sometimes, an extra test called an electrophysiology study is needed to confirm it.
Can AVNRT Be Treated Without Medicine?
Yes, in some cases, simple actions like coughing or putting an ice pack on the face can help slow the heart rate. If these don't work, medications or catheter ablation might be necessary.
Is Catheter Ablation Safe For AVNRT?
Catheter ablation is a safe, minimally invasive procedure. It uses a catheter to make small scars in the heart and block abnormal electrical signals. Though it's generally safe, any procedure carries some risks.
