AV nodal reentrant tachycardia

AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia

AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (pronounced as A-V no-dal re-en-trant ta-ki-kar-di-a), often abbreviated as AVNRT, is a type of abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia that originates from the atrioventricular node (AV node) of the heart.

Etymology

The term "AV nodal reentrant tachycardia" is derived from the following components: "AV" stands for atrioventricular, referring to the atrium and ventricle of the heart; "nodal" refers to the AV node; "reentrant" refers to the abnormal electrical circuit that causes the arrhythmia; and "tachycardia" (from the Greek tachys, meaning "swift", and kardia, meaning "heart") refers to a fast heart rate.

Definition

AVNRT is a type of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) characterized by a fast heart rate. It occurs when an electrical signal travels in a fast, abnormal path through the AV node, causing the heart to beat rapidly and irregularly.

Symptoms

Symptoms of AVNRT may include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting (syncope). However, some people with AVNRT may not experience any symptoms.

Causes

The exact cause of AVNRT is not known, but it is thought to be related to the presence of an additional electrical pathway in the AV node. This can lead to a "reentry" circuit, where the electrical signal circulates rapidly and repeatedly, causing the heart to beat faster than normal.

Treatment

Treatment for AVNRT may include medication, cardioversion (a procedure to restore normal heart rhythm), or catheter ablation (a procedure to destroy the abnormal electrical pathway in the heart).

Related Terms

• Arrhythmia
• Atrioventricular node
• Supraventricular tachycardia
• Cardioversion
• Catheter ablation

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on AV nodal reentrant tachycardia
• Wikipedia's article - AV nodal reentrant tachycardia

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