Differences Between ST (Sinus Tachycardia) and SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia)
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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.
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. Another difference is the heart rate. STs tend to be compensatory or caused by something other than the heart, and the overall rate tends to be less than 150 bpm. Alternatively, SVTs are usually caused by a re-entry issue somewhere around the AV node. They’re very quick and create overall rates greater than 150 bpm. ST and SVT differ by P wave and heart rate. Read: Criteria for a SVT (supraventricular tachycardia)Differences Between ST and SVT
Related Video – ECG Rhythm Review – Sinus Tachycardia
Related Video – ECG Rhythm Review – Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
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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