Paroxysmal SVT can be precipitated by which of the following factors?

Paroxysmal SVT can be precipitated by which of the following factors?

• A. Digoxin toxicity
• B. Alcohol
• C. Caffeine intake
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Paroxysmal SVT happens when a trigger increases atrial ectopy or AV nodal conduction enough to start a reentrant or automatic tachycardia. Digoxin toxicity can provoke atrial tachyarrhythmias by increasing atrial automaticity and altering conduction through the AV node, which can initiate SVT patterns. Alcohol can precipitate these episodes by boosting catecholamines and causing atrial irritability (the classic “holiday heart” scenario). Caffeine acts as a stimulant that heightens sympathetic activity and atrial ectopy, promoting the same tachyarrhythmia mechanisms. Because each factor can individually set off the electrophysiologic conditions that produce paroxysmal SVT, all of the above is the best choice.

Paroxysmal SVT happens when a trigger increases atrial ectopy or AV nodal conduction enough to start a reentrant or automatic tachycardia. Digoxin toxicity can provoke atrial tachyarrhythmias by increasing atrial automaticity and altering conduction through the AV node, which can initiate SVT patterns. Alcohol can precipitate these episodes by boosting catecholamines and causing atrial irritability (the classic “holiday heart” scenario). Caffeine acts as a stimulant that heightens sympathetic activity and atrial ectopy, promoting the same tachyarrhythmia mechanisms. Because each factor can individually set off the electrophysiologic conditions that produce paroxysmal SVT, all of the above is the best choice.