From the Guidelines
The primary distinction between Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) and Sinus Tachycardia lies in their underlying mechanisms and clinical implications, with SVT being an abnormal rapid heart rhythm and Sinus Tachycardia being a normal physiological response. According to the 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline for the management of adult patients with supraventricular tachycardia 1, SVT is defined as an umbrella term used to describe tachycardias involving tissue from the His bundle or above, with rates exceeding 100 bpm at rest. In contrast, Sinus Tachycardia is characterized as a rhythm arising from the sinus node, with a rate of impulses exceeding 100 bpm, and can be either physiologic or inappropriate 1.
Key differences between SVT and Sinus Tachycardia include:
- Origin: SVT arises from abnormal electrical pathways, whereas Sinus Tachycardia originates from normal sinus node activity.
- Rate: SVT often exceeds 150 bpm, while Sinus Tachycardia typically has a rate below 150 bpm in adults.
- Onset/Offset: SVT often has a sudden onset and offset, whereas Sinus Tachycardia has a more gradual onset and offset.
- Treatment: SVT may require specific medical interventions, such as cardioversion or medication, whereas Sinus Tachycardia usually resolves by addressing the underlying cause, as stated in the 2010 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care 1.
For accurate diagnosis and management, an ECG is essential to distinguish between SVT and Sinus Tachycardia. Given the potential morbidity and mortality associated with untreated SVT, it is crucial to prioritize prompt diagnosis and treatment, as emphasized in the 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline 1. In contrast, Sinus Tachycardia typically does not require specific treatment beyond addressing the underlying trigger, as noted in the 2010 American Heart Association guidelines 1.
From the Research
Differences between Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) and Sinus Tachycardia
- SVT is an abnormal rapid cardiac rhythm that involves atrial or atrioventricular node tissue from the His bundle or above 2
- Sinus tachycardia, on the other hand, is a normal cardiac rhythm that originates from impulses generated within the sinus node, but can be abnormal if it is caused by an underlying disorder 3
- The most common SVTs include atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia, atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia, and atrial tachycardia 4, 2
- Sinus tachycardia can be classified into different types, including normal sinus tachycardia, inappropriate sinus tachycardia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and sinus node re-entry tachycardia 5, 6
- Diagnosis of SVT and sinus tachycardia can be made using electrocardiography, and management may involve vagal maneuvers, adenosine, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers for SVT 4, 2, and identifying and treating the underlying cause for sinus tachycardia 5, 6
Key Characteristics
- SVT is often characterized by a sudden onset and offset, and can cause significant patient discomfort and distress 4
- Sinus tachycardia, on the other hand, is often asymptomatic, but can be troublesome if it is caused by an underlying disorder 5, 6
- SVT can be managed using catheter ablation, which is curative in the majority of patients 4, 2
- Sinus tachycardia management depends on the underlying cause, and may involve treating the underlying disorder, or using medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers 5, 6