From the Guidelines
For managing supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or atrial tachycardia attacks at home, the Valsalva maneuver is the most recommended initial treatment, as it can effectively terminate the abnormal rhythm in many cases, according to the 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline for the management of adult patients with supraventricular tachycardia 1.
Vagal Maneuvers
To perform the Valsalva maneuver, bear down as if having a bowel movement while holding your breath for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, try:
- Placing your face in ice-cold water for a few seconds
- Coughing forcefully
- Gently massaging the carotid sinus (only if advised by your doctor) These maneuvers work by stimulating the vagus nerve, which slows electrical signals through the AV node in your heart, potentially terminating the abnormal rhythm.
Lifestyle Modifications
To reduce the frequency and severity of SVT episodes:
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and stimulants that can trigger episodes
- Stay hydrated
- Manage stress through regular meditation or deep breathing exercises
Medications
If prescribed, take medications like:
- Beta-blockers (metoprolol, propranolol)
- Calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem) as directed by your physician. These medications can help control heart rate and prevent SVT episodes.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If symptoms persist beyond a few minutes, or include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness seek immediate medical attention, as these could indicate a more serious condition requiring professional intervention. The 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline recommends synchronized cardioversion for acute treatment in patients with hemodynamically unstable SVT when vagal maneuvers or adenosine are ineffective or not feasible 1.
From the Research
Diverticulitis Symptoms and Home Remedies
- Diverticulitis is characterized by symptoms such as left lower quadrant pain, tenderness, abdominal distention, and fever 2
- Other symptoms may include anorexia, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and dysuria 2
- Home remedies for diverticulitis are not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, but increasing dietary fiber intake, exercising, cessation of smoking, and weight loss (for individuals with a body mass index of 30 kg per m(2) or higher) may help prevent recurrences of diverticulitis 2
Supraventricular Tachycardia Attacks
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) refers to rapid rhythms that originate and are sustained in atrial or atrioventricular node tissue above the bundle of His 3
- Symptoms of SVT may include palpitations, light-headedness, chest discomfort, anxiety, dyspnea, or fatigue 3, 4, 5
- Vagal maneuvers may terminate the arrhythmia, and if this fails, adenosine or calcium channel blockers (such as diltiazem or verapamil) can be used acutely or as long-term therapy 3, 4, 6, 5
Treatment and Management
- For diverticulitis, hospitalization should be considered if patients have signs of peritonitis or there is suspicion of complicated diverticulitis 2
- For SVT, catheter ablation has a high success rate and is recommended as the first-line method for long-term management of recurrent, symptomatic paroxysmal SVT, including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome 3, 4, 5
- The decision to proceed to surgery in patients with recurrent diverticulitis should be individualized and based on patient preference, comorbidities, and lifestyle 2
- Long-term treatment for SVT is dependent on several factors, including frequency of symptoms, risk stratification, and patient preference 4, 5