The most common paroxysmal tachycardia in people without structural heart disease.

 

Etiology

•      Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT)*
•      Atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT)*
  • some cases are caused by Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome 
•      Atrial tachycardia

*together, these account for the majority of PSVT and it is commonly seen in young and healthy patients

Sx
     Abrupt attacks with heart rates between 160-220 beats per minute

 

Tx
     Mechanical and medical therapies decrease AV node conductivity
     Vagal maneuvers, such as valsalve, carotid sinus massage and immersion in cold water increase vagal tone and decrease conduction through the AV node. This slows the HR and can often break the rhythm.
     Adenosine is a very short acting AV-nodal blocker that is often used as well

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.