Final answer:
Supraventricular tachycardia is a type of arrhythmia that involves a fast heartbeat originating above the heart's ventricles and includes conditions like atrial fibrillation. It presents with symptoms like dizziness and rapid pulse, and treatment varies based on the underlying cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "supraventricular tachycardia" refers to a category of heart arrhythmia where the abnormal fast heartbeat originates above the ventricles of the heart. This includes conditions such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Supraventricular tachycardia is caused by problems with the electrical conduction system of the heart. Tachycardia is generally defined as a heart rate (HR) above 100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults. It is important to note that the normal resting heart rates for children can be above 100 bpm, but this is not considered tachycardia in them.
Symptoms, when present, may include dizziness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, rapid pulse, heart palpitations, chest pain, or fainting (syncope). The treatments for tachycardia depend on the underlying causes and may involve medications, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, ablation, or surgery.