supraventricular tachycardia
Pronunciation: soo-prah-ven-TRIK-you-lar tak-ee-KAR-dee-ah
Also written as: SVT — supraventricular tachycardia
Abnormally fast heart rhythm originating above the ventricles, commonly presenting in infants with feeding difficulties and irritability.
Full Definition
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in the pediatric population, characterized by a heart rate typically exceeding 220 beats per minute in infants and 180 beats per minute in older children. The most common mechanism is atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) involving accessory pathways. In infants, SVT may present with poor feeding, irritability, pallor, and signs of congestive heart failure if prolonged. Older children may describe palpitations, chest pain, or dizziness. Acute management includes vagal maneuvers, adenosine, or synchronized cardioversion, while long-term management may require antiarrhythmic medications or catheter ablation.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as SVT; distinguish from ventricular tachycardia which has different implications and treatment.
In Context
- "The infant presented with supraventricular tachycardia at a rate of 250 beats per minute." — Emergency department documentation
- "Adenosine successfully converted the supraventricular tachycardia to normal sinus rhythm." — Pediatric cardiology note