Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management
Salah S Al-Zaiti1, Kathy S Magdic1
1Department of Acute and Tertiary Care, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria Street, 336 VB, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America
|August 4, 2016
Summary
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a heart rhythm disorder causing sudden rapid heartbeats. Treatment ranges from vagal maneuvers and medications to cardioversion or catheter ablation for recurrent cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a common cardiac arrhythmia.
- Characterized by sudden onset and termination of regular tachycardia.
- ECG findings include narrow QRS complex and hidden/inverted P waves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of PSVT.
- To outline treatment strategies for hemodynamically stable and unstable patients.
- To discuss options for symptomatic and recurrent PSVT.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PSVT pathophysiology and clinical presentation.
- Summary of diagnostic criteria, including ECG findings.
- Overview of therapeutic interventions for PSVT.
Main Results:
- PSVT is typically caused by re-entrant circuits involving accessory or concealed pathways.
- Stable patients managed with vagal maneuvers, adenosine, diltiazem, or verapamil.
- Unstable patients require cardioversion; recurrent cases may need ablation.
Conclusions:
- PSVT management depends on hemodynamic stability and symptom recurrence.
- Pharmacological and electrical therapies are effective for acute episodes.
- Catheter ablation offers a definitive treatment for refractory PSVT.
Keywords:
Accessory pathwaysParoxysmal supraventricular tachycardiaSupraventricular arrhythmiaWolff-Parkinson-White syndromeMore Related Videos
09:20Microelectrode Array Recording of Sinoatrial Node Firing Rate to Identify Intrinsic Cardiac Pacemaking Defects in Mice
Published on: July 5, 2021
3.7K
09:36Dual-Dye Optical Mapping of Hearts from RyR2R2474S Knock-In Mice of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Published on: December 22, 2023
1.9K
Related Concept Videos
01:28Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
739
Tachyarrhythmias are a type of dysrhythmia where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. Here are some common types of tachyarrhythmias:Sinus TachycardiaSinus tachycardia originates from increased impulses from the sinus node, leading to an elevated heart rate. It is often triggered by stress, fever, or exercise.Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of a racing heart, dizziness, and chest discomfort.Causes and Risk Factors: Common causes include physical exertion, emotional...
739
01:29Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
630
Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per...
630
01:17Increased pulse rate
1.4K
Tachycardia is a condition marked by an abnormally fast or irregular heart rate, surpassing the typical resting rate. In adults, tachycardia is characterized by a pulse rate ranging from 100 to 180 beats per minute. The increased heart rate can result in inadequate blood flow to various body parts, ultimately diminishing the oxygen supply to organs and tissues.
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
1.4K
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
814
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
814
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
3.5K
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
3.5K
01:28Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
2.5K
Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
2.5K