Supraventricular tachycardia on ekg
Supraventricular tachycardia on ekg Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common arrhythmia characterized by an abnormally fast heart rate originating above the ventricles. It typically presents with sudden onset and termination, often causing symptoms such as palpitations, lightheadedness, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath. Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management, and the electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) plays a pivotal role in identifying and classifying SVT.
On an EKG, SVT generally appears as a narrow complex tachycardia with a rapid heart rate often exceeding 150 beats per minute. The hallmark feature is the presence of regular, rapid P waves that may be hidden within or immediately follow the QRS complex, making the atrial activity difficult to distinguish. This is because the electrical impulse originates from a focus above the ventricles, commonly the atrioventricular (AV) node or nearby tissue, leading to a rapid conduction through the His-Purkinje system.
One of the key characteristics on the EKG is a narrow QRS complex, typically less than 120 milliseconds, indicating normal ventricular depolarization. The overall rhythm is regular, and the rapid rate distinguishes it from sinus tachycardia, which usually has a slower rate and identifiable P waves preceding each QRS complex. In SVT, the P waves may be inverted in lead II, III, or aVF if the impulse originates from an ectopic atrial site, or they may be absent if hidden within the QRS complex. Supraventricular tachycardia on ekg
Supraventricular tachycardia on ekg Differentiating SVT from other arrhythmias is crucial. For instance, atrial flutter typically shows a “sawtooth” pattern of flutter waves, while ventricular tachycardia usually presents with wide QRS complexes and a less regular rhythm. The absence of visible P waves, rapid regular rhythm, and narrow QRS complexes help confirm SVT.
Several types of SVT are recognized, including AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), which is the most common, and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT), seen in conditions like Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Each has subtle differences on EKG, but the clinical presentation and response to maneuvers or medications often guide diagnosis. Supraventricular tachycardia on ekg
Management of SVT involves acute stabilization and long-term strategies. Vagal maneuvers, such as the Valsalva maneuver or carotid sinus massage, can sometimes terminate episodes by increasing vagal tone and temporarily blocking AV nodal conduction. Pharmacologic options include adenosine, which is particularly effective in rapidly terminating AVNRT by transiently blocking conduction through the AV node. For recurrent or resistant cases, catheter ablation targeting the reentrant circuit offers a potentially curative solution. Supraventricular tachycardia on ekg
Supraventricular tachycardia on ekg In conclusion, recognizing the characteristic features of SVT on an EKG—narrow, regular, rapid heart rhythm with hidden or abnormal P waves—is vital for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the nuances aids clinicians in differentiating SVT from other arrhythmias, leading to more targeted and effective management strategies.
