Criteria for SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia)
ACLS Certification Association videos have been peer-reviewed for medical accuracy by the ACA medical review board.
Article at a Glance
- Junctional escape is characterized by:
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is characterized by:
- Regularity: Regular
- Rate: 150–250 bpm; if the clinician can identify the rhythm as one of the specific tachycardia rhythms, use that rhythm name
- P Wave: Indistinguishable
- PR Interval: Not measurable
- QRS Complex: < 0.12 seconds
To interpret an SVT, remember the “S” stands for supra, connoting the complex’s origin above the ventricles. It should produce a narrow QRS complex, since an SVT is a narrow complex tachycardia. Re-entry circuits cause SVTs, leading to no P waves and a fast ventricular rate. Most SVTs occur from a re-entry circuit somewhere around the AV node. Since the complex originates around the AV node, it doesn’t produce a P wave. These re-entry circuits tend to be very quick, so the overall ventricular rate is typically greater than 150 bpm. There’s usually only one re-entry pathway used at a time, so the R-R intervals should be normal and march in a regular rhythm. Read: Rhythm-based Management in Cardiac Arrest Criteria for SVT InterpretationInterpreting a Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Summary
Physicians should know the criteria for a supraventricular tachycardia. Patients will exhibit a narrow QRS complex, an absent P wave, a heart rate greater than 150 bpm, and a regular rhythm.
Related Video – ECG and the Cardiac Cycle Basics
More Free Resources to Keep You at Your Best
Editorial Note
ACLS Certification Association (ACA) uses only high-quality medical resources and peer-reviewed studies to support the facts within our articles. Explore our editorial process to learn how our content reflects clinical accuracy and the latest best practices in medicine. As an ACA Authorized Training Center, all content is reviewed for medical accuracy by the ACA Medical Review Board.
More to Learn
Learn the technique of synchronized cardioversion at ACLS Certification Association. Our article helps you acquire the skills to deliver effective electrical therapy.
Learn Managing Respiratory Arrest and Maintaining Airway Patency, including Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal Airway Management in our detailed article and video illustrations.