Supraventricular tachydysrhythmias in the emergency department

Emerg Med Pract. 2020 Aug;22(8):1-28. Epub 2020 Aug 1.

Abstract

Diagnosing and treating supraventricular tachycardias is routine in emergency medicine, and new strategies can improve efficiency and outcomes. This review provides an overview of supraventricular tachycardias, their pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and electrocardiographic features. Clinical evidence guiding contemporary practice is determined largely by multiple observational studies, with few randomized controlled trials. Current prehospital and emergency department management strategies beyond the use of adenosine and calcium channel blockers are addressed. Diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations are provided, based on the best available evidence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / therapeutic use
  • Adolescent
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnosis
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Carotid Sinus
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electrocardiography / methods
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Massage
  • Middle Aged
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Pregnancy
  • Tachycardia, Sinoatrial Nodal Reentry / diagnosis
  • Tachycardia, Sinus / diagnosis
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / diagnosis*
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / physiopathology
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Adenosine