What is AVRT?

Atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) is the second most common type of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), or an abnormally fast heartbeat.
AVRT is caused by an extra, rogue electrical pathway (AKA an accessory pathway) between the heart’s upper and lower chambers that forms an abnormal loop of electrical activity. It occurs more often in younger women and children and is associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

In this article, you will learn more about:

  • How is AVRT Diagnosed?  
  • Risk Factors
  • Causes of AVRT
  • Symptoms of AVRT
  • Treatments for AVRT
  • Additional Resources
Download or view our patient education handout on AVRT.

How is AVRT Diagnosed?

Dr. Yoo will use a combination of
a physical exam, medical history,
and testing, which may include:

Risk Factors include:

  • being female
  • family history disorders
  • thyroid problems
  • certain drugs and supplements
  • anxiety or emotional stress
  • physical fatigue
  • diabetes
  • obstructive sleep apnea
  • pregnancy
  • chronic lung disease

Causes of AVRT include:

  • certain medications, like those for asthma, colds, and allergies 
  • smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and consuming too much caffeine stimulants and recreational drugs
  • prior cardiac surgery

Symptoms of AVRT

Symptoms of AVRT often begin to appear in teens and young
adults. Symptoms include:

  • fluttering in the chest
  • rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
  • shortness of breath
  • lightheadedness or dizziness
  • sweating
  • pounding sensation in the neck
  • fainting (syncope) or nearfainting

Treatments for AVRT

Dr. Yoo will determine the type of treatment necessary based on the frequency of your episodes and the symptoms they cause. Treatments may include: a carotid sinus massage, cardioversion, antiarrhythmic medication(s), a catheter ablation procedure, a pacemaker implant, or Vagal maneuvers.
It is a good idea to keep a log of your heart rate, symptoms, and
activity at the time of an episode in order to know what triggers to avoid.

Additional Resources