reentrant tachycardia
A rapid heart rhythm caused by electrical impulses circulating repeatedly through an abnormal pathway in the heart.
Full Definition
Reentrant tachycardia is a mechanism of arrhythmia where electrical impulses travel in a circular pattern through cardiac tissue, creating a self-sustaining rapid rhythm. This occurs when there is an area of slow conduction combined with unidirectional block, allowing impulses to repeatedly circulate through the same pathway. Common examples include atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) involving accessory pathways, and ventricular tachycardia circuits in scarred myocardium. Reentrant mechanisms account for the majority of sustained tachyarrhythmias and are often amenable to catheter ablation therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Often specified by location (e.g., 'AV nodal reentrant tachycardia').
In Context
- "Mapping during EP study confirmed a reentrant tachycardia circuit in the right atrium." — Electrophysiology procedure note
- "The patient's symptoms were due to AV nodal reentrant tachycardia." — Diagnostic evaluation