Which rhythm is Supraventricular Tachycardia?

• A. Sinus Tachycardia
• B. Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Response
• C. Ventricular Tachycardia
• D. Supraventricular Tachycardia

Answer: (D)

Supraventricular Tachycardia is a rapid rhythm that starts above the ventricles. The hallmark is a fast, regular rhythm with narrow QRS complexes (usually 150–250 beats per minute) and abrupt onset and termination. This distinguishes it from other fast rhythms:

• Sinus tachycardia comes from the sinus node and is a normal physiologic response, with a regular rhythm and visible P waves before each QRS.

• Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response is irregular and lacks discrete P waves, giving an irregular rhythm.

• Ventricular tachycardia arises from the ventricles and typically shows wide QRS complexes.

Because SVT specifically refers to tachycardias originating above the ventricles, the rhythm named Supraventricular Tachycardia is the correct designation.