AVNRT stands for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. It is a type of abnormal heart rhythm that occurs when electrical signals in the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) and lower chambers (the ventricles) become disrupted, causing the heart to beat too fast.
AVNRT typically causes a rapid heart rate, palpitations, and sometimes dizziness or fainting. It is typically treated with medications or a procedure called radiofrequency ablation, in which a catheter is inserted into the heart through a vein in the leg and used to destroy the abnormal electrical pathway that is causing the AVNRT.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of AVNRT, as it can be a serious condition if left untreated.
The treatment for AVNRT (atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia) typically involves one of the following approaches:
- Medications: There are several medications that can be used to slow the heart rate in people with AVNRT. These include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and other medications that work by blocking or altering the electrical signals in the heart.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This is a procedure in which a catheter is inserted into the heart through a vein in the leg and used to destroy the abnormal electrical pathway that is causing the AVNRT. This procedure is usually performed by an electrophysiologist (a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders) and is typically done in a hospital setting.
- Cardioversion: In this procedure, a controlled electric shock is delivered to the heart to try to restore a normal heart rhythm. This procedure is typically done in a hospital setting.
It is important to discuss the best treatment option with your doctor, as the choice of treatment will depend on the severity of your condition and any underlying medical conditions you may have.