Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia: the General Principle

ABSTRACT

The best available evidence indicates that the prevalence of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in the general population is 2.29 per 1,000 persons. Women have twice the risk of developing paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) compared to men. Individuals aged >65 years have >5 times the risk of developing PSVT compared to younger persons. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) obtained during both tachycardia and sinus rhythm may reveal the etiology and help diagnose SVT. It is important to conduct a 12-lead ECG to differentiate tachycardia mechanisms according to whether the atrioventricular (AV) node is an obligate component. Invasive electrophysiologic (EP) study and catheter ablation have become a standard treatment for SVT, in addition to being an acute medical treatment. Diagnostic EP study complications are rare, but can be life threatening.