Have you ever felt that your heart wants to jump out of your chest for no apparent reason? It is not always due to a scare or seeing your “crush”; sometimes, our internal engine decides to go at a pace that is not its place. In the most recent episode of the podcast “Medicina con Cabeza”, a production that is already a reference for health professionals and curious on QuéOnnda, Dr. Carlos Yebra masterfully breaks down the Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT). HERE you can listen to the podcast.
With his renowned track record and unique ability to translate complex terms into practical clinical language, Dr. Yebra takes us by the hand through the world of arrhythmias, explaining everything from diagnosis to the use of key drugs such as adenosine.
Click on the photo to listen to the podcast
To warm up, Dr. Yebra defines SVT as an arrhythmia arising in the atria or atrioventricular node (the heart’s natural “pacemaker”).
It is that moment when the heart rate accelerates abnormally, and although it can be frightening, knowing how to identify it is the key to successful management.
One of the most important points of the episode is the approach based on hemodynamic stability.
Dr. Yebra clarifies a doubt that many students and physicians face: When should cardiovert (give the electric shock)? The answer is short: only when the patient is unstable.
Be careful here, because Dr. Yebra warns: do not confuse SVT with sinus tachycardia caused by something more serious such as sepsis or hemorrhage. In such cases, cardioversion could be a mistake!
Adenosine: The “reset button” of the heart
If you like pharmacology, you will love this part.
Dr. Yebra delves into the use of adenosine, a drug that works by temporarily blocking the AV node.
Its function? To reveal what is behind that accelerated frequency.
The result? It helps to differentiate whether we are dealing with atrial fibrillation (irregular rhythm), flutter (more organized) or re-entrant tachycardia.
Not everything is crisis management.
Long-term options are also explored in “Medicina con Cabeza”.
From the use of beta-blockers and antiarrhythmics, to cardiac ablation, a procedure that may be the definitive cure for those living with this condition.
This episode is, without a doubt, an essential masterclass for medical students and healthcare professionals seeking to master pathophysiology and practical management in the emergency department.
The episode is now available on all audio platforms, such as Apple Podcast and Spotify, where you can also listen to other titles promoted by QuéOnnda and Nueva Network, such as Renacer en el Duelo.
Filed under: Supraventricular Tachycardia
