Differential Diagnosis of Supraventricular Tachycardia

ABSTRACT

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) refers to a heterogeneous group of arrhythmias localized within the upper part of the heart (the His bundle or above). In general, the term SVT does not include atrial fibrillation. Common forms of SVT include atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia, focal atrial tachycardia, and atrial flutter. Other, less common arrhythmias also fall under the category of SVT, including inappropriate sinus tachycardia and junctional reentrant/ectopic tachycardia. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia refers to AVNRT and AVRT. SVTs can be identified and classified by clinical manifestation/physical examination, ECG, and/or electrophysiologic analysis.