Differences Between ST (Sinus Tachycardia) and SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia)

By Mark Dzwonkiewicz, FP-C, LI | Medically reviewed by Brenda Shih, PharmD on March 21, 2025

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Differences Between ST and SVT
Summary

Article at a Glance

The provider must be able to distinguish between ST and SVT.
Sinus tachycardia has a P wave and a rate of < 150 bpm.
Supraventricular tachycardia has no P waves and a rate > 150 bpm.

Differences Between ST and SVT

There are several differences between a sinus tachycardia (ST) and a supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) during an electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation. First, an ST produces a P wave because it originates from the sinus node. An SVT has no P wave because it usually originates from a reentry circuit somewhere around the atrioventricular (AV) node.

Related Video – ECG Rhythm Review – Sinus Tachycardia

Summary

While they’re both narrow complexes, ST and SVT have their differences. ST has P waves and generally has a heart rate less than 150 bpm. SVT has no P waves and generally has a heart rate greater than 150 bpm. STs are caused by something outside of the heart while SVTs are caused by re-entry issues around the AV node.

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