Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 27, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • SVT (Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia - AVNRT): This is the most common type of SVT, accounting for about 60% of cases. It occurs when there is an abnormal electrical pathway in the heart, leading to rapid heart rate.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Atrioventricular Reentrant Tachycardia (AVRT): This includes orthodromic AVRT, which is another common form of SVT, and accounts for about 30% of cases. It involves an accessory electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles.
  • Atrial Flutter: Although not technically an SVT, atrial flutter can present similarly and is often considered in the differential diagnosis. It is characterized by a rapid but regular atrial rhythm.
  • Atrial Fibrillation: This is the most common type of arrhythmia and can sometimes be mistaken for SVT due to its rapid and irregular heart rate.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Although VT is a ventricular arrhythmia, it can be mistaken for SVT and is critical to diagnose promptly due to its potential to deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation, which is life-threatening.
  • Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome: A condition where an accessory electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles can cause SVT but also poses a risk of developing into a life-threatening arrhythmia.
  • Cardiac Tamponade: Although not an arrhythmia, cardiac tamponade can cause tachycardia and must be considered in the differential diagnosis due to its high mortality rate if not treated promptly.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Junctional Tachycardia: A rare form of SVT originating from the AV junction, which can be due to various causes including digitalis toxicity or cardiac disease.
  • Mahaim Fiber Tachycardia: A rare type of SVT involving an accessory pathway that can conduct anterogradely, often associated with a distinct electrocardiographic pattern.
  • Lown-Ganong-Levine (LGL) Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by an accessory pathway that can cause SVT, similar to WPW syndrome but without the characteristic delta wave on the ECG.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.