Persistent repetitive supraventricular tachycardia

A case of persistent repetitive supraventricular tachycardia known to be present for at least 9 yr is reported. Although the patient appeared to tolerate the arrhythmia without any ill effects he was found to have moderate left ventricular dysfunction due to alcoholic abuse and/or significant coronary artery disease. The electrophysiological findings appear to be most consistent with an ectopic focus arising in the low right atrium as the mechanism for this arrhythmia. Although resistant to standard drug therapy, this arhythmia did respond to overdrive suppression.