Supraventricular Tachycardias

Question 1

What is supraventricular tachycardias?

Answer 1

• Abnormally fast heart beat

* Broad term that include many forms of arrhythmia that originate above the ventricles

Question 2

What signs will you see on an ECG of wolf parkinson white syndrome?

Answer 2

• Delta wave

* Short PR interval

Question 3

What are signs and symptoms of SVT?

Answer 3

• Rapid regular palpitations
• Usually abrupt onset
• Sudden termination
• Occurs spontaneously or precipitated by simple movements
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Dyspnoea
• Central chest pain
• Weakness
• Syncope

Question 4

Acute SVT Management of haemodynamically unstable patient

Answer 4

*Vagal manoeuvres
*Vasalva manoeuvre
*IV Adenosine (Contraindicated in asthmatics)
>6mg IV bolus
>If no effect 12mg IV
>Still no effect 12mg IV
*Atlernatives: verapamil, diltiazem, beta blockers

Question 5

What is the valsalva manoeuvre?

Answer 5

• Abrupt voluntary increase in intrathoracic and intra-ado pressure by straining
• Patient supine
• Blows into mouth piece of manometer against pressure
• On release of strain, tachy cardia slows become of compensatory increase in vagal tone and may terminate in 50% patients