Researchers at New York-Presbyterian Hospital have advanced a potential rapid-response treatment for tachycardia with an anti-palpitation nasal spray. The approach aims to provide swift relief during a paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) episode, offering a practical option for those who experience sudden fast heart rhythms. The study reporting these findings appeared in JAHA, the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is a form of heart rhythm disorder marked by sudden episodes of very fast heartbeats. Signals travel through the heart’s electrical system at an elevated pace, often surpassing 150 beats per minute and sometimes exceeding 200 beats per minute. Conventional management during an attack focuses on vagal maneuvers, which involve physical actions designed to alter the nerve signals that regulate the heart. While these techniques can be effective for many, a notable portion of patients—estimates range from about 20% to 40%—do not respond adequately and require urgent medical care in a hospital setting.
In the recent trial, 169 participants were enrolled to assess the nasal spray. Among them, 105 individuals self-administered at least one dose of etripamil at 70 mg per spray. The investigation extended across a period of roughly eight months, during which the medication’s performance in real-world scenarios was observed. The data indicate that etripamil delivered notable control over heart rate during tachycardia episodes, with normalization occurring within 30 minutes in just over 60 percent of attacks and within an hour in about three-quarters of cases. These results suggest that the spray can act quickly to reduce the intensity of an episode, potentially providing a safer and more convenient alternative to on-site medical intervention for some patients.
Safety and tolerability were also examined in the study. The majority of participants tolerated the spray without severe issues. About one-third reported mild to moderate side effects such as nasal congestion, mild irritation, or a runny nose. While these reactions were typically not serious, they underscore the importance of monitoring in broader clinical use. At present, etripamil remains under review by the United States Food and Drug Administration as part of the regulatory process for new medications intended to treat PSVT during acute episodes.
Experts observing the study drew a parallel to familiar at-home treatments used in other medical conditions. The comparison mirrors how devices like the albuterol inhaler for asthma and epinephrine auto-injectors for severe allergic reactions have established trusted roles in self-treatment for acute symptoms. The researchers highlighted that etripamil nasal spray could become a strong option for people who have documented PSVT and require a fast, self-administered solution when episodes begin to unfold.
Beyond the immediate findings, the study contributes to a broader conversation about rapid, patient-controlled interventions in cardiac care. The work reflects ongoing efforts to expand the toolbox available to individuals who experience PSVT, aiming to reduce unnecessary hospital visits and to empower patients with practical, accessible care options. As with any new therapeutic approach, further confirmation through larger or more diverse trials and regulatory review will determine how etripamil might be integrated into standard practice for PSVT management. The research team remains focused on translating these early results into clear guidance for clinicians and patients alike, while continuing to monitor long-term safety and effectiveness in real-world settings.
All of this builds toward a future where patients facing PSVT have a dependable, convenient means of addressing acute episodes. The potential impact is measured not only by the speed of heart-rate reduction but also by the ease of use and the opportunity to prevent escalation to emergency care in suitable cases. As the medical community reviews the accumulating evidence, etripamil nasal spray stands as a notable development in the evolving landscape of arrhythmia management, with ongoing work designed to refine dosing, safety, and real-world applicability, and to define where this option fits among established treatments.
Note: This article summarizes findings from a clinical investigation and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult healthcare professionals for personalized recommendations and follow regulatory guidance as new information emerges.