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What's the difference between SVT and sinus tach?

Hi, Everyone.  Are sinus tachacardia and SVT the same thing?  My EP has diagnosed me with SVT which usually precipitates the A-fib.  I also have the PVCs... sometimes those can precip AF for me ,too but not often.  AND... can anyone distinguish between PACs and PVCs in the way that the feel???  Is one more dangerous than the other?

Amy
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Avatar universal
Thank you both!  Your posts have given me info to clarify with my EP.  Take care,
Amy
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Avatar universal
bare bones basics of it... Sinus tach is a normal heart rhythm, above 100 beats per minute.. SVT is a broad term used to describe many types of abnormal rhythms originating in the upper chambers of the heart (AVNRT, AFIB,WPW,EAT.. ect ect).. Ide ask for clarification from your doctor in reguards to SVT causing the afib, since afib in itself technically is a type of SVT... i find in a clinical setting when doctors refer just to "svt" the most common mechanism at work is AVNRT..
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257552 tn?1404602554
Hi,

It is my understanding that Sinus Tachycardia denotes a heart rate above 100 beats per minute. Exercise can and often raises the heart above 100 BPM, and even this exercise induced elevated rhythm would be referred to as tachycardia. Sinus Tachycardia can occur from causes other than exercise as well.

SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia) is an arrhythmia that originates above the ventricles (supra means above) and often occurs abruptly, elevating the heart rate to 140-250 BPM seemingly without cause. I have had bouts of PSVT, please see the following paragraph.

From Wikipedia: "The term supraventricular tachycardia is often used differently in different settings. Properly, it refers to any tachycardia that is not ventricular in origin. This definition includes sinus tachycardia. Often, however, in a clinical setting, it is used loosely as a synonym for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), which refers to those SVTs that have a sudden, almost immediate onset. A person experiencing PSVT may see his heart rate go from 90 to 180 beats per minute instantaneously." [And often back to normal or nearly normal just as quickly].

Ventricular Arrhythmias, in general, tend to have potential to cause more immediate and serious problems. But, as this forum has often discussed, in a person with a Structurally Normal Heart, many of these arrhythmias are quite common and often considered benign. As you have already done, visiting your Doctor and being tested is an important first step in determining if the arrhythmia is benign or serious.

Do you know if your Doctor was referring to PSVT when he/she said that you have SVT?

Hope this helps.

Wish you well.
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