Medications to Treat SVT

Medications to Treat Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

To best treat supraventriculat tachycardia, medications need to affect the conductivity of the A-V node, the staircase between the upper and lower heart chambers.

These medications include:

• Beta-blocking agents
• Calcium channel agents
• Digoxin

Usually, these medications are taken daily, and take approximately 10-20 minutes to act.  

Medication for longer episodes of SVT

For patients who have longer episodes of supraventricular tachycardia, a quick-acting version of one of these three medications may be given. However, because these medications lower blood pressure, patients with symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness should not take these medications.

Medication for infrequent episodes of SVT

For those who experience brief episodes of supraventricular tachycardia that last less than one or two minutes, daily medication may not be needed. Patients may experience an episode of SVT once every several months, or a few times a year.