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When to Seek Medical Care

Supraventricular tachycardia is generally not life threatening unless you have other heart disorders. Call your health care provider if any of the following conditions occur:

• The episode of rapid heartbeat or palpitations is your first, and the symptoms last longer than a few seconds to a minute or two.
  
  
• You have had previous episodes of supraventricular tachycardia, and the current episode does not go away with vagal maneuvers (coughing, deep breathing, or muscle tensing).

The following conditions warrant a visit to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Call 911 for emergency help.

• You have rapid heartbeat and feel dizzy or faint.
  
  
• You have rapid heartbeat with chest pain.
  
  
• You feel short of breath with rapid heartbeat.