Key Points ECG alone cannot reliably distinguish VT from SVT-aberrancy in many cases. Use ECG features to rule in VT, not to exclude it. Default: treat regular WCT as VT…
Key Points Idiopathic monomorphic VT arising from the right ventricular outflow tract. Most patients have no structural heart disease; catecholamine and cAMP-mediated triggers are common. Classic ECG pattern: LBBB morphology…
Key Points Idiopathic reentrant VT arising within the left Purkinje system, most often the left posterior fascicle. Patients are usually young and lack structural heart disease. Signature ECG: RBBB-like morphology…
Key Points Definition: Slow ventricular tachycardia is defined as a wide complex tachycardia with a ventricular rate between 100–120 bpm. Distinction: Typical sustained VT usually exceeds 120 bpm. When encountering…
Key Points Definition: The R on T phenomenon occurs when an ectopic impulse (often a PVC or cardioversion shock) falls on the T wave of the preceding beat. Mechanism: Interrupting…
Key Points Definition: Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT) is a rare type of irregularly irregular supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) characterized by the presence of at least three or more different P wave…
Key Points Definition: QRS >120 ms with an irregular ventricular rate. Clinical Priority: Always first consider AF with accessory pathway (AF + WPW) and polymorphic VT (PMVT, including torsades) —…
Key Points Definition: SVT refers to any tachyarrhythmia that originates above the ventricles (atria, AV node, or bundle of His). Most present as regular narrow-complex tachycardias, although aberrant conduction can…
Key Points Mechanism: Atrial flutter results from a macro re-entry circuit typically located within the right atrium, causing rapid and regular atrial activation (~300 bpm commonly). ECG Appearance: Classic “saw-tooth”…
Key Points Narrow irregular tachycardia = QRS <120 ms with variable R–R interval. The big three DDx: Atrial fibrillation (AF) with RVR, atrial flutter with variable block, multifocal atrial tachycardia…
Key Points Narrow regular tachycardia = QRS <120 ms with a steady R–R interval. The big three DDx: sinus tachycardia, SVT (AVNRT/AVRT/junctional), and atrial flutter with fixed AV conduction (commonly…
Key Points Definition: Sinus tachycardia is a regular rhythm originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, defined by a heart rate >100 bpm in adults or above age-adjusted norms in children….
Key Points Origin: Junctional tachycardia is a rare type of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) that originates from the AV node or the bundle of His. Mechanism: The arrhythmia is caused…
Key Points: Definition: Atrial tachycardia is a supraventricular arrhythmia characterized by rapid atrial depolarizations from one or more ectopic foci outside the SA node. Atrial Rate: > 100 bpm, typically…
Key Points Spectrum, not one rhythm: Look for sinus brady, pauses, arrest, alternating atrial tachyarrhythmias (AF, flutter, ATach). Symptoms matter: Syncope, presyncope, fatigue usually come from cerebral/systemic hypoperfusion, especially after…
Key Points Mechanism: Typical atrial flutter arises from a large re-entry circuit in the right atrium. The atrial rate is usually near 300 beats per minute. ECG hallmark: Continuous “saw-tooth”…
Key Points Definition: PMVT is a ventricular tachycardia characterized by beat-to-beat variations in QRS morphology, axis, and duration, reflecting multiple ventricular foci or reentrant circuits. Clinical Importance: PMVT is often…
Key Points Definition: NSVT is defined as ≥3 consecutive ventricular beats, QRS duration >120 ms, rate typically 100-250 bpm (usually > 120 bpm), lasting less than 30 seconds without causing…
A 54-year-old man with no significant PMHx presents to the ED with palpitations. He is hemodynamically stable with a normal blood pressure. The following ECG is obtained prior to the…