February 3, 2016 - SVT (UNFINISHED)

Question 1

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Answer 1

An abnormal heart rhythm arising from improper electrical activity of the heart. It is a type of rapid heart rhythm originating at or above the AV node.

But… some SVT’s utilize the ventricles as part of their circuit.

Question 2

ECG Diagnosis of Tachyarrhythmias

Answer 2

Ask yourself two simple questions…

1. Is it visibly regular or visibly irregular?

2. Is it a narrow QRS or a wide QRS?

Question 3

Regular Tachycardia With Narrow QRS

Answer 3

Almost all are SVTs

Question 4

Regular Tachycardia With Wide QRS

Answer 4

Usually ventricular tachycardia (VT), but can sometimes be SVT.

Question 5

SVT Mechanisms

Answer 5

1) Re-entrant circuits
2) Focal tachycardias (a particular spot is firing)
3) Chaotic atrial activation (such as Afib)

Question 6

Triggers of SVT

Answer 6

Stimulants

Alcohol

Anxiety / Stress

Bending

Exercise

Question 7

Symptoms of SVT

Answer 7

Palpitations

Dizziness / Presyncope / Syncope

Breathlessness / Fatigue

Chest pressure / Pain

Flushing / Sweating

Question 8

Delta Wave

Answer 8

A slurred upstroke to the QRS complex.

Question 9

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Answer 9

An accessory pathway connecting the atrium to the ventricles.

Can see delta waves on ECG.

Can cause dangerous problems in combination with atrial fibrillation.