Presented by the Department of Cardiology, Monno Medical College & Hospital
This clinical case presentation highlights a real-life scenario of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), managed successfully by the Department of Cardiology at Monno Medical College & Hospital. The session aims to educate healthcare professionals and medical students on the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of SVT, an increasingly common cardiac arrhythmia.
A 28-year-old female patient, Mrs. Mariya Akter, presented with acute onset of palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Her heart rate was a dangerously elevated 240 bpm upon admission. Immediate ECG showed absent P waves and narrow QRS complexes, indicating a likely diagnosis of SVT. Initial vagal maneuvers failed, but pharmacological intervention with Verapamil successfully reverted the rhythm to sinus.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rhythm originating above the ventricles. It is characterized by sudden onset and cessation, and often presents with a narrow QRS complex and a heart rate exceeding 100 bpm. SVT can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
SVT affects 2–3 per 1,000 individuals, with a higher prevalence in females and adults aged 25–50. Common triggers include stress, caffeine, alcohol, thyroid disorders, and congenital heart conditions. SVT mechanisms include AVNRT and AVRT, often related to abnormal reentrant electrical pathways.
Patients typically experience:
Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort
Dizziness
Diagnosis involves ECG, echocardiogram, blood tests, and in complex cases, electrophysiological studies.
Acute Management Includes:
Vagal maneuvers (Carotid sinus massage, Valsalva)
IV Adenosine or Verapamil
Synchronized DC Cardioversion if unstable
Prophylactic Measures:
Oral medications like beta-blockers or Flecainide
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), especially in cases like Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome
The case underscores the importance of timely and accurate intervention, showcasing clinical excellence in cardiac emergency care.
Monno Medical College & Hospital is committed to clinical excellence, education, and research. Our CME sessions aim to keep healthcare professionals updated with the latest guidelines and real-world practices in cardiology.