Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Most common rhythm disturbance in children

Aetiology

  • Abnormally fast heart rhythm arising from improper electrical activity in the upper part of the heart
  • There are four main types: atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), atrial flutter, and Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome

Clinical presentation

Symptoms

  • Palpitations
  • Dyspnoea
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of consiousness

Signs

  • Heart rate of 150–270bmp during an episode

Investigations

ECG

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