Kardia Advanced Determination “Sinus with Supraventricular Ectopy (SVE)” indicates sinus rhythm with occasional irregular beats originating from the top of the heart. A common reason for this is premature atrial contractions (PACs). PACs are extra heartbeats that originate in the top of the heart and usually beat sooner than the next expected regular heartbeat. After the PAC beat, a pause usually occurs, which causes the next normal heartbeat to be more forceful. If you've felt your heart skip a beat, it was this more forceful beat that you felt. PACs rarely cause symptoms, but you may feel a fluttering in your chest,* dizziness, increased awareness of your heart beat, or skipped or missed beats.
What Causes PACS?
People of any age can experience occasional PACs at one time or another. Some of the triggers for irregularity include: caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, cough and cold medicine, high blood pressure, anxiety, stress, sleep apnea, lung disease, and heart disease. In many cases, the underlying cause cannot be identified. If you have occasional PACs, but you are otherwise healthy, there is usually no reason for concern, and no need for treatment.
What Can I Do Next?
If you have frequent symptomatic PACs, or PACs with heart disease, you may need treatment. Frequent PACs can increase your risk of developing atrial fibrillation. If you have Sinus Rhythm with Irregularity, your doctor can give you additional instructions about how to manage it and your overall heart health.
*Kardia cannot detect signs of a heart attack. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call emergency services.