This article will go over the signs and symptoms of NSVT as well as how its diagnosed and treated.
If it does,palpitationsfeeling a fast or irregular heartbeatcan be the only symptom a person has of NSVT.
The palpitations can also be associated with trouble breathing or chest pain.
Verywell / JR Bee
Occasionally, NSVT can causelightheadednessand/ordizziness.
Rarely, loss of consciousness (fainting orsyncope) may happen with NSVT.
NSVT can also be related to problems with the electrical signaling in the heart that helps it beat.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Its not always easy or possible to change structural or electrical heart problems.
However, some risk factors for NSVT are things that you’re free to change.
Some research has suggested that NSVT may increase a persons risk for having a stroke.
The most common is repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (RMVT).
Common symptoms of RMVT include palpitations and lightheadedness.
In this condition, an NSVT episode tends to be triggered by emotional stress or exercise.
You may not have symptoms if you have NSVT and it may not need treatment.
How Is It Diagnosed?
If a person is having symptoms, NSVT might be diagnosed during anambulatory ECG monitoring system.
AHolter monitoris a throw in of ambulatory ECG system.
The Holter monitor is typically worn for 24 to 48 hours or longer and records your heart rhythm continuously.
Your provider will also check you for any underlying heart problems or diseases.
Non-Sustained VT vs.
Sustained VT
Your provider will also check to see if you have NSVT or SVT.
The usual way to tell is by looking at how long the arrhythmia lasts.
NSVT in people with a healthy heart is usually considered harmless and not something that needs treatment.
Amiodarone works to keep your heart in a regular rhythm (anantiarrhythmic drug).
Ablation therapy is successful at treating NSVT around 80% of the time.
To reduce the risk, animplantable cardioverter-defibrillator(ICD) might be recommended.
An ICD is a battery-operated machine that is put under the skin on your chest.
It monitors the rhythm of your heart and delivers mild electrical currents or shocks if the rhythm becomes abnormal.
Prevention
NSVT cannot be prevented, but some heart conditions that cause it can be.
you’re able to also take steps to reduce your risk factors for NSVT.
In most people, it doesnt cause any symptoms and is often harmless.
In some people, it can develop into a more serious kind of heart problem.
NSVT may happen in healthy people or people with serious heart disease.
It can be diagnosed with special tests to check the hearts functioning.
People with NSVT that do not have any symptoms may not need any treatment.
People with heart disease or severe symptoms can be treated with procedures and medications.
While NVST cant necessarily be prevented, lifestyle changes that support heart health can be helpful.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with NSVT, see a cardiologist for an assessment.
If you have an underlying heart condition, your risk is even greater.
2018;138(13):e190-e252.
2016;11(8):e0160181.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0160181
Harris P, Lysitsas D.Ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.BJA Educ.
2016;11(8):e0160181.
2020;142(25):e558e631.
2020;43(10):1149-1155. doi:10.1111/pace.14055
UpToDate.Ventricular tachycardia in the absence of apparent structural heart disease.
2019;42(1):120-128. doi:10.1002/clc.23117
ScienceDirect.Sustained ventricular tachycardia.
Katritsis DG, Zareba W, Camm AJ.Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia.J Am Coll Cardiol.
2019 Sep 10;140(11):e596-e646.
doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678
Marine JE.Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in the normal heart: risk stratification and management.Card Electrophysiol Clin.
2013;62(7):595-600. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2013.05.026