Arrhythmia that starts / stops suddenly - v tach??

[ltf500]

I'm a healthy 30 year old female.  A few nights ago, I was in normal sinus rhythm (60 bpm), then suddenly my heart rate was up to around 180.  This lasted for about 20 seconds and then very suddenly dropped down to 60bpm again.  Does this sound like v tach or could it be something more benign?  I have had episodes of rapid heartbeat before that come on suddenly, but last for minutes and end more gradually.  Anyone who has had episodes like this - please advise!  Thanks

[Wisconsin2007]

Yup - Could be PAT aka PSVT.  Pretty benign.

[ireneo]

I agree. I have PSVT and mine pops into tachy at rates from 150-198 bpm. It races along for a short time and then blip! drops right back to normal. Annoying but harmless.

[jkfrench]

Yes, that is PAT.  I have that.  Try not to worry too much.  I can make it worse.  As ireneo says, annoying but harmless.
Frenchie

[Ihatepalps2]

I couldve written your post!! In fact, I really kinda did..a few days ago!! Same exact thing happened to me!! Same thing. Amazing!
That was Tues night..I was watching tv. I talked directly to my cardiologist today, and he was not the least concerned. He said could be afib..or PAT...neither are very worriesome unless they would recurr aLOT, or not stop for a long time...

odd..just when ya think you are the only person in the world, going thru something, you find out just how common it is!!!

[PikaPika88]

PAT is fast and regular pulse.  AF - pulse is irregular.  AF also can form blood clots.

[grendslori]

The TRUE sign it is an arrhythmia and not just a faster than normal beatbeat is it starts and stops on a dime. The reason for that is because there is an extra tract next to the correct electrical tract. When the impule starts of at the sinus node, it sometimes will "jump" over to the extra incorrect tract and then beat at a much faster rate in a  circle, then it will 'jump'  back to the correct tract and carry on at the correct heart rate.

[PikaPika88]

Is extra track same meaning as accessory pathway?  Is that all svt also involved in extra track?  That's I don't understand.  Some svt is related to wpw.  Then some say just svt, no wpw.  I'm confused.  Thanks,