Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, Lancashire, UK has today been recognised globally as a Center of Excellence for a common yet difficult to manage heart rhythm condition. Dr. Sanjoy Chowdhury has received this prestigious award in recognition of its pioneering work for innovative approaches to diagnosing and treating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

SVT is a rapid increase in the heart rhythm that leaves people breathless and anxious. Diagnosis of SVT can be challenging because the irregular heart rhythm comes and goes, and, therefore, is difficult to identify unless an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) can record an episode at the time it occurs. Another challenge is that despite treatment (e.g. medication such as beta-blockers), some people with SVT continue to have symptoms. Additionally, some people discontinue taking medication because they cannot tolerate the side-effects.

The aim of Arrhythmia Alliance Healthcare Pioneers Report — Showcasing Best Practice in SVT is to identify and recognize innovative approaches to diagnosing and treating SVT. The award ceremony was held at The Palace of Westminster, London, UK during World Heart Rhythm Week.

To inspire others to improve care standards for patients with the SVT, Arrhythmia Alliance called for healthcare teams to showcase their exemplary work in SVT services. The case studies were reviewed by an international panel of expert judges, with the winners published in the report and recognised as a ‘Center of Excellence’.

Board member and Medical Director of Arrhythmia Alliance, Prof Hugh Calkins from The Johns Hopkins Hospital, USA reports:
“The aim of the report is to provide case studies to inspire centers around the world to improve care and quality of life for people with SVT. Arrhythmia Alliance is proud to announce winners for 2022 from America, UK, Canada, Australia and Malaysia the winning case studies demonstrate innovative approaches to managing SVT.”

Dr. Sanjoy Chowdhury has received this prestigious award in recognition of its pioneering work for innovative approaches to diagnosing said: “We are thrilled to be recognized as a Center of Excellence and for our work to qualify as SVT Pioneers. To know that our work can be shared with others to improve outcomes for patients makes us very proud.

“Quote from Trudie” “Millions of people daily suffer with worrying palpitations, hearts racing, breathlessness and overwhelming feelings of panic, for some it is so disabling they cannot work, exercise or lead normal active lives. Living in fear as to when the next attack may occur only adds to the ongoing anxiety and stress. Yet for many treatment restores the heart to its normal rhythm. Accessing experts and appropriate treatment can be challenging so identifying centers and publicising their work will help patients receive the latest treatments leading to better outcomes” says Mrs Trudie Lobban MBE Founder of Arrhythmia Alliance

The report can be accessed: www.SVTpioneers.org

For more information about SVT: www.aa-international.org