Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia
This ECG is from a man in his 60's who is experiencing chest discomfort and palpitations. The onset of the rapid heart rate and the symptoms was sudden, while he was at rest. The rate did not slow when he was placed on oxygen, given IV fluids, and rested further. The rate is 177 / min.
The rhythm is AV nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT), which is one of the rhythms that falls into the category of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).We can see signs of retrograde P waves in some leads (II, III, aVF, V1). AVNRT is caused by a reentry circuit in the AV node.
Some instructors teach students that sinus tach is approximately 100-150 per minute, and atrial tach is usually 150-250 per minute. If students only learn about differentiating these two rhythms by the rate difference, it will cause later problems. Of course, there is actually an overlap in rates between the two rhythms. For example, a febrile, dehydrated infant could easily reach this rate and be in sinus rhythm. A young, healthy person on a treadmill could, too. Clues to the ectopic origin of this rhythm are: sudden onset (unfortunately, not witnessed here), regular rhythm with unwaivering rate, and the patient's situation (symptoms while at rest, no obvious reason for sinus tach). Of course, we need to teach to the level of our students' abilities. Consider whether they just memorizing rhythms criteria now, or are they learning about re-entry?