Treatment: Medication
If vagal maneuvers do not successfully resolve a severe episode of SVT, medication may be prescribed by your doctor. Even if these techniques are effective, medication may still be prescribed if you frequently experience episodes. Commonly prescribed medications for SVT include anti-arrhythmic agents, digoxin, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers. It is important to take your prescribed medication as directed by your doctor in order to restore your heart rhythm and minimize any potential complications. By following your doctor’s instructions, you can continue to monitor your heart rhythm from the comfort of your own home, avoiding the need for emergency room visits.
Treatment: Electrical Cardioversion
When other methods such as vagal maneuvers or medications fail to provide relief during an episode, your doctor may recommend electrical cardioversion as a treatment option. This medical procedure aims to slow down the electrical impulses in the heart using medication. During the procedure, a small patch or paddle is placed on your chest, which delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart. By resetting the heart’s rhythm to a normal pace, electrical cardioversion can effectively alleviate severe symptoms associated with certain conditions.