Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is known as a sudden increase in SV heart rate up to 140 Beats per Minute (BPM) and up to 180 BPM with a frequent decrease to “normal” beats rate. Supraventricular Tachycardia can be characterized by high BPM rate, regularity, and rapid onset and offset. A supraventricular beat can originate in the atria (with P waves sometimes occurring on the preceding T wave), or the AV Node (with inverted or absent P wave).
The sudden rate changes with Supraventricular Tachycardia are significant as they represent several flaws in proper cardiac function. These rate changes can be a combination of accelerated conduction through the AV Node or other ancillary pathways plus an increased work load of the heart from an increased heart rate. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) generally indicates a pathological disease in the Atria or AV Node that can result in severe symptoms to the patient.
Example of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
As an ECG technician, it is recommended that you capture:
- The onset of the SVT and offset of the SVT run.
- Runs with fastest rate and longest duration.
Other Forms of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
- Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia
- Paroxymal Atrial Supraventricular Tachycardia
- Wolfe Parkinsons White Syndrome – a second electrical pathway between atria and ventricles that bypasses the atrioventricular node. It can cause supraventricular tachycardia.
