Usually episodes of supraventricular tachycardia are mild and can be terminated on their own without special treatment, but they are prone to recurrence.
In acute attacks, if the heart rate is too fast, the symptoms are severe or prolonged, prompt medical attention should be sought and termination can be attempted by stimulating the vagus nerve modality (performed by or under the direction of a physician), such as: inducing the vomiting reflex (stimulating the pharynx with a finger or tongue depressor to produce nausea), massaging the carotid sinus, the Valsalva method (holding the breath after a deep inhalation), and submerging the face in ice water.
If stimulation of the vagus nerve does not work, medication is used to control the abnormal heart rhythm. Adenosine is preferred, and if adenosine is not effective, intravenous verapamil, for example, may be used instead.
Catheter ablation can eradicate supraventricular tachycardia; the procedure is technically mature, carries fewer risks and has a high success rate, and is currently the first-line treatment for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.