Senile paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) in the elderly is a clinically common rapid arrhythmia due to reentrant movement, characterized by paroxysmal sudden onset and sudden termination. During attacks, the heart rate is generally 160-220 beats/min. Each episode may last less than 1 second or persist for seconds, minutes, hours, or even days, terminating spontaneously or after treatment. Some cases may recur. The interval between attacks is normal as in ordinary people, and the duration of intervals varies. During attacks, vagal stimulation, medications, synchronized direct current shock, or transesophageal overdrive pacing can terminate the tachycardia. Currently, the most effective and thorough treatment is radiofrequency ablation. It is more commonly seen in patients without organic heart disease. The tachycardia has sudden onset and termination; mild cases experience palpitations and chest tightness, while severe cases may develop dizziness due to hemodynamic disturbances, or even loss of consciousness.