Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Question 1

SVT

Answer 1

Arises above the ventricles

Ectopic impulses - arises somewhere other than the SA node

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

AVNRT - common in young people, sudden onset
Accessory pathway tachycardia - WPW syndrome
Ectopic atrial tachycardia - common in older patients

Question 3

Symptoms

Answer 3

Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Presyncope

Question 4

ECG findings

Answer 4

Narrow QRS complexes
*Exception is WPW/RBBB/LBBB where QRS is wide
Regular - not AF

Question 5

Acute Management

Answer 5

Valsalva manoeuvre
Carotid massage
IV adenosine - blocks AVN conduction, slows ventricles
IV verapamil

Question 6

Chronic Management

Answer 6

RF ablation - burn cardiac tissue
Anti arrhythmic drugs (rate control - class II, IV)
Also amiodarone (class III)
Cardiac pacing - potential option if nothing else works