How can Exercise help to manage Heart Palpitations & SVT
What Are Heart Palpitations & SVT?
Palpitations describe the uncomfortable sensation of feeling your own heartbeat, often described as a fluttering, pounding, or racing feeling in the chest, throat, or neck. A common cause is a type of arrhythmia called Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT).
In a healthy adult, a typical resting heart rate ranges between 60–100 beats per minute (bpm). During an episode of SVT, the heart can accelerate rapidly, often between 150–220 bpm. This sudden increase may also lead to symptoms such as:
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Fainting or near-fainting spells
SVT is caused by an electrical “misfire” in the heart. Instead of following the normal pathway from the upper chambers (atria) to the lower chambers (ventricles), the electrical signal loops back on itself or takes an abnormal pathway. This results in the atria firing too quickly, driving the heart rate up suddenly. Episodes often start and stop abruptly and may occur at rest or during activity.
Is It Safe to Exercise With SVT?
In most cases—yes.
Once cleared by a GP, cardiologist, or cardiac physiologist, individuals with SVT can safely engage in exercise.
Although it may feel counterintuitive to exercise with a condition involving rapid heart rhythms, exercise does not make SVT worse or more dangerous. In fact, physical activity is one of the most effective tools for improving heart function and reducing symptoms over time.
Monitoring your symptoms and communicating with your healthcare provider is key, especially if you notice changes in episode frequency or severity.
How Does Exercise Help Manage Heart Palpitations & SVT?
- Stress Reduction: stress and anxiety are common triggers for SVT. Regular moderate-intensity exercise helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and build resilience to everyday stressors.
- Improved Cardiac Efficiency: exercise strengthens the heart muscle, allowing it to pump blood more efficiently. This reduces the workload on the heart at rest and during activity.
- Lower Resting and Peak Heart Rate:withconsistent training, the heart becomes more efficient, naturally reducing resting heart rate and lowering cardiovascular strain during exercise.
- Faster Heart Rate Recovery: awell-conditioned cardiovascular system returns to baseline quicker after exertion. Faster recovery helpsstabilise heart rhythm and may reduce the likelihood of prolonged elevated heart rates that could trigger symptoms.
Improved Heart and Health Function with Exercise
- Increased energy levels: regular movementimprovesday-to-day energy and reduces fatigue often associated with SVT episodes.
- Better tolerance to physical activity: as cardiovascular fitness improves, tasks such as climbing stairs, walking longer distances, or carrying groceries feel easier. This reduces the likelihood of feeling symptomatic during light exertion.
- Greater confidence and reduced fear of movement:SVT can be unsettling, and many people become anxious about raising their heart rate. A structured exercise program helps rebuild confidence, encouraging safe, empowering movement rather than avoidance.
Written by Sophie Annear
Accredited Exercise Physiologist at myPhysioSA Marden
