Supraventricular Extrasystoles

The most common benign heart rhythm anomaly in the population. They occur as a result of premature activation of the atria of the heart. They can be individual (isolated) extra heartbeats felt as skipped beats or persistent extra heartbeats usually perceived as a rapid regular heartbeat with a frequency above 100/minute lasting seconds to tens of seconds. A considerable number of individuals do not experience any difficulties, and SVES are detected only on an ECG recording.

What are supraventricular extrasystoles?

Supraventricular extrasystoles (abbreviated as SVES) are the most common benign heart rhythm anomaly in the population. They occur as a result of premature activation of the atria of the heart. They can be individual (isolated) extra heartbeats felt as skipped beats or persistent extra heartbeats usually perceived as a rapid regular heartbeat with a frequency above 100/minute lasting seconds to tens of seconds. A considerable number of individuals do not experience any difficulties, and SVES are detected only on an ECG recording.

What causes supraventricular extrasystoles?

Supraventricular extrasystoles commonly occur in otherwise completely healthy individuals, but less commonly, they can also be a manifestation of heart disease (e.g., due to valvular defects). The triggering factor is not always known, but in some people, they may occur more frequently with the consumption of higher doses of caffeine and stimulants (coffee, energy drinks), alcohol, smoking, stress, or certain medications (bronchodilators, etc.).

What are the risks of supraventricular extrasystoles?

They are a relatively common and benign finding, but in the case of frequent occurrence, one should look for structural heart disease (i.e., valvular defects, heart failure, etc.) or the presence of other, more complex and serious heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.

What is the treatment for supraventricular extrasystoles?

In asymptomatic individuals, they usually do not require therapy, especially if other significant heart disease has been ruled out. In the case of unpleasant symptoms, such as palpitations and skipped heartbeats or the feeling of missed beats, one should first avoid triggering factors (stimulants, stress, alcohol, etc.), or consider the long-term use of medications that alleviate unpleasant conditions (so-called beta-blockers). In the case of frequent occurrence, their definitive removal by an invasive procedure – catheter ablation – can be considered, where the doctor identifies the triggering focus in the heart (technically called the substrate) and removes it using special technology.

What should I do if I am diagnosed with supraventricular extrasystoles?

The finding of supraventricular extrasystoles should be consulted with your treating physician, or a specialist (cardiologist, internist), who will choose the optimal treatment approach based on the frequency of occurrence and subjective difficulties. Very often, it involves only monitoring the patients without the need for medication.

If you feel unwell in any way, consider consulting a doctor immediately, regardless of the MyKARDI measurement results. An ECG recording from the chest strap cannot detect a myocardial infarction or generally deteriorating blood supply to the heart. A negative finding does not indicate the reason for any chest pain.

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