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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijpen.2454.9126.3317.5

Abstract

The incidence of paroxysmal supra ventricular tachycardia is approximately 1-3 cases per 1000 persons, with a prevalence of 0.2% [1]. Children may be asymptomatic or they may present with minor palpitations or more severe symptoms. Parents, mostly detect PSVT in children as tachycardias and heart failure signs, such as poor feeding, sweating and shortness of breath. The electrophysiological studies have helped to determine that the pathophysiology of SVT involves abnormalities in impulse formation and conduction pathways. The most common mechanism identified is reentry [2]. Infants require medical treatment because of the difficulty to recognize symptoms of tachycardia and a risk of heart failure leading to poor quality of life. Adenosine and beta blockers are drug of choice. Patients who present at <5 years old have a high likelihood of outgrowing their SVT and may not require chronic therapy.

Keywords: Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia; Heart Failure; Antiarrhythmic Drug. 

Corresponding Author : Nisha Thomas, PhD Nursing Scholar and Nursing Officer, Department of CARDIO/CTVS, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India.