AVNRT = AV-Node Reentry Tachycardia
Condition
A special form of arrhythmia causing sudden onset fast heart pulsations
What is AVNRT?
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The AVNRT is the most common form of supraventricular tachycardia.
AVNRT occurs when a re-entrant electricity circuit forms within or just next to the atrioventricular node. The circuit usually involves two anatomical pathways within this node: the fast pathway and the slow pathway, which are both in the right atrium of the heart.
What are the symptoms of Tachycardia?
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Any tachycardia can cause discomfort as you can feel your heart racing in your chest causing anxiety and even panic attacks.
In the case of AVNRT the heart can achieve very fast heart rates that start suddenly, as if out of the blue, and stop as suddenly as they appeared, as if someone just pressed the reset button.
Because of the very fast heartbeat often more than 140 beats per minute, you may feel
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shortness of breath
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chest discomfort
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dizziness/lightheadedness
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sudden spell of fainting
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What imaging/ tests are done to diagnose ?
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Resting ECG during an episode
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24 hours up to 7 days Holter ECG
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As these “spells” may only occur rarely, without pre-announcement, it is difficult to diagnose this arrhythmia. The implantation of a subcutaneous ECG monitor, also called loop recorder, is a helpful tool in establishing the diagnosis – a loop recorder is being implanted with a tiny incision under the skin, under local anesthesia. It continuously records the heart rhythm up to 3-5 years, as long as the internal battery lasts.
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What intervention/ treatment can be performed for AVNRT?
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Continuous medication is not helpful because of the intermittent appearance of the rhythm problem.
During an acute event, the spell can be terminated by medication or if it fails, with an electroshock (electric cardioversion). A medication often used is Adenosin under continuous ECG monitoring.
Once the diagnosis has been established, EP (Electrophysiology)-induction studies and ablation therapy are indicated.
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What interventions/ treatments does CardioCare offer for AVNRT?
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We offer all diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
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Our Electrophysiology catheterization units equipped to perform the minimally invasive EP-studies and the ablation therapy.
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During ablation therapy, a small catheter is being introduced via a vein in the groin to the exact area of origin of the abnormal electric rhythm and it will burn a scar at this precise location.
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