AVNRT often has no apparent precipitating cause. Patients have reported that alcoholic beverages, stimulants, or exercise can initiate episodes. They have also reported the onset of AVNRT during sleep, after suddenly bending forward, and with squatting or other movements that enhance vagal tone.

Alcohol, stimulants, and exercise may cause AVNRT. ⁴⁹

This form of tachycardia is associated with an enhanced sympathetic tone and is not life-threatening.

Patients with common AVNRT experience symptoms dependent on the duration of the tachycardia. An episode can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour and sometimes several hours. Patients report persistent palpitations felt in the neck area. This sensation is caused by the contraction of the right atrium against the closed tricuspid valve. A pulsating right jugular vein can be observed. Other symptoms include dizziness, pre-syncope, and syncope.