Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a disorder that causes a person’s heart to beat abnormally fast. Certain foods may trigger a person’s SVT, while others may help to prevent SVT symptoms.
The sinoatrial (SA) node is a mass of tissue located above the right upper chamber (atria) of the heart. It uses electrical signals to help control a person’s heartbeat.
When a person has SVT, there is a disruption in the electrical signal from the SA node. This can cause the signal to repeat abnormally quickly, leading to a rapid heartbeat.
There are certain foods that may cause a person’s SVT to flare up. However, other foods may help a person to reduce their SVT flares.
A person who has SVT may find that certain foods or drinks trigger their symptoms. Discovering food triggers can be helpful in preventing SVT flare-ups.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a form of SVT. It causes a person’s heart to beat quickly and irregularly. A 2024 review found that fried and processed foods may trigger symptoms of AFib.
Additionally, reviewers found that people with the lowest and highest intakes of salt had increased risk of AFib.
A 2022 report noted that very cold substances might trigger paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in some people. “Paroxysmal” means a sudden onset of symptoms.
A 2019 case report stated that certain substances in foods might affect a person’s heart rate. The authors noted that tryptamine, tyramine, and octopamine could increase a person’s heart rate. These substances are present in foods such as:
- goat’s cheese
- sausages
- probiotic foods
- cocoa-based foods, such as chocolate
- tomatoes
- bitter oranges
A
- limiting gluten and dairy
- reducing fatty food intake
- avoiding spices and coffee
The
- salt
- saturated fats, such as those found in dairy products or fatty meats
- added sugars
- alcohol
The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that eating heart-healthy foods may
- vegetables such as leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower
- fruits such as apples, bananas, prunes, and pears
- whole grains, which include plain oatmeal, brown rice, and wholegrain breads
- fat-free or low-dairy foods
- fish
- lean meats
- eggs
- nuts, seeds, and soy products
- legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas
- foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil and avocados
- water
- low-fat or fat-free milk
- 100% vegetable juice
Writing out a dietary plan may help a person with SVT maintain a heart-healthy diet. The
The following table is an example of a heart-healthy dietary plan:
| Meal | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Oatmeal with berries and flaked almonds | Plain Greek yogurt with chopped nuts and sliced fruit | Scrambled eggs on whole-wheat bread, English muffin with tomato, and a pear | Homemade smoothie with almond butter, berries, and milk | Egg frittata with spinach, onions, and tomatoes | Wholegrain toast with mashed avocado and an apple | Tortilla with black beans, sauteed broccoli and salsa, and a fruit salad |
| Lunch | Tomato soup, grilled cheese and spinach on whole-wheat bread, and 2 clementines | Quinoa salad with shrimp and an apple | Ratatouille in a whole-wheat wrap with lettuce and a piece of cheese and 2 clementines | Tuna salad with celery, carrots, and olive oil on lettuce and wholegrain crackers | Green salad with tuna and black beans and an apple | Wholegrain pitta with vegetables, hummus, and avocado and grapes | Salmon, brown rice, and sauteed vegetables and a pear |
| Dinner | Chicken, spinach, and quinoa salad | Ratatouille with brown rice and crusty wholegrain bread | Corn tacos with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and salsa | Turkey meatballs, wholegrain pasta, and low-fat Parmesan cheese, with green salad and chopped vegetables in an olive oil dressing | Minestrone soup with crusty wholegrain bread, and a Greek salad with greens, cucumber, carrots, and feta in a lemon vinaigrette | Baked salmon, asparagus, and mashed cauliflower | Spicy black bean burger, roasted zucchini, and baked sweet potato fries |
Dietary plans that provide heart-healthy meals include:
- the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- the
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet - the healthy United States-style diet
Read on to learn more about the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet.
A person who has SVT
- quitting smoking if applicable
- keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels under control
- taking medications as their doctor prescribes
- having regular appointments with their doctor
- exercising regularly
- maintaining a healthy weight
SVT is a condition that causes a person’s heart to beat rapidly. There are various foods that may trigger a person’s SVT, such as alcohol or caffeine.
Having a heart-healthy diet may help a person to reduce their SVT symptoms. This diet should include whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables.
A person who has SVT may also benefit from lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine intake or exercising regularly. A person can consult their doctor about what changes may benefit them the most.