ABSTRACT
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is not a universally agreed upon term. Patients with SVT can exhibit a variety of symptoms. The majority present with acute onset and termination of palpitations often described as a sensation of both fast and strong heartbeats. In general, it is important to obtain an electrocardiograms (ECG) recording at the time of symptoms. Although these tracings might not be diagnostic, they document the presence of SVT and can provide important clues as to the underlying cause of the arrhythmia. Once SVT has been documented, decisions regarding management with medications or catheter ablation can be discussed. Medical management might include atrioventricular (AV) nodal agents, such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and digoxin. Patient preparation includes withdrawal of AV nodal agents or antiarrhythmic medications for up to six doses and fasting after midnight. Focal atrial tachycardia (AT) is characterised as a SVT with centrifugal conduction that originates from a discrete location in either the left or right atrium.
