Supraventricular Tachycardiaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Heart Rhythm Disorders
Parent symptom: Fast Heartbeat
Did you mean? Paroxysmal Tachycardia
What is Supraventricular Tachycardia?
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a type of arrhythmia characterized by an abnormally fast heartbeat that originates from the atria or upper chambers of the heart. This rapid heart rate can begin and end suddenly and often occurs in episodes. Typically, a normal heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, but with SVT, the heart rate can exceed 100 beats per minute, sometimes reaching up to 300 beats per minute. This condition can cause palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain, and while it might be transient, it often requires medical evaluation.
How Does TCM View Supraventricular Tachycardia?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), supraventricular tachycardia is not viewed through the lens of heart electrical anomalies but as a manifestation of internal disharmony and imbalance. TCM posits that such symptoms result from various patterns of imbalance in the body's vital energies. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial, as treatment in TCM is tailored to correct these unique imbalances rather than targeting the symptom alone.
Causes of Supraventricular Tachycardia According to TCM
TCM explains the occurrence of supraventricular tachycardia through different causative frameworks, often related to disturbances in the body's energetic pathways. One common pattern involves Heat in the Shao Yang (lesser Yang-warp), which pertains to a state where excessive Yang energy causes agitation and disrupts heart function.
Another pattern is Qi and Blood Deficiency, where the body lacks the vital energy and nutritional support to maintain Heart stability, leading to irregular heart functions. These examples underscore TCM’s holistic approach, emphasizing that multiple underlying conditions can lead to the manifestation of the same symptom.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Supraventricular Tachycardia
In treating supraventricular tachycardia, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas based on the diagnosed pattern of disharmony. For instance, Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang is used to harmonize lesser Yang-warp (Shao Yang) disorders and can be beneficial for cases involving Heat in Shao Yang. The formula includes key ingredients like Bupleurum Roots, known for their cooling properties.
Another formula, Gui Pi Tang, which includes Ginseng, is utilized to address Qi and Blood Deficiency, supporting overall heart function and stability. Treatment choice depends on the specific TCM diagnosis, highlighting the personalized nature of TCM healthcare.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address supraventricular tachycardia, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and preserve body fluids
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Supraventricular tachycardia can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Supraventricular tachycardia can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and preserve Body Fluids
Supraventricular tachycardia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to summer heat that also depletes or harms the body fluids, necessitating treatments that cool and nourish the body's fluids.
One such formula is Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Supraventricular Tachycardia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address supraventricular tachycardia, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Supraventricular tachycardia can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for supraventricular tachycardia, like Gui Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for supraventricular tachycardia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Supraventricular tachycardia can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for supraventricular tachycardia, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for supraventricular tachycardia
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang |
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Supraventricular tachycardia can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for supraventricular tachycardia, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Supraventricular tachycardia can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for supraventricular tachycardia, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Supraventricular tachycardia can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for supraventricular tachycardia, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.