Paroxysmal SVT
Also calledPSVT · paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia · paroxysmal SVT
Definition
A clinical designation for a regular, rapid supraventricular tachycardia that begins and ends abruptly; these features are characteristic of AVNRT and AVRT and, less often, atrial tachycardia, and the QRS is usually narrow. An episode can be started by a premature atrial or ventricular beat and can last a few seconds, several hours or even days. The term describes the paroxysmal (sudden on/off) behavior rather than a single electrophysiologic mechanism.
Clinical noteThe abrupt start and stop, often visible on a monitor strip, helps separate it from sinus tachycardia, whose rate rises gradually.
Sources
- Page RL, Joglar JA, Caldwell MA, et al. 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline for the management of adult patients with supraventricular tachycardia. Circulation. 2016;133(14):e506-e574. doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000311
- Esberger D, Jones S, Morris F. ABC of clinical electrocardiography: junctional tachycardias. BMJ. 2002;324(7338):662-665. doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7338.662
- Goodacre S, Irons R. ABC of clinical electrocardiography: atrial arrhythmias. BMJ. 2002;324(7337):594-597. doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7337.594
Last reviewed 2 October 2026. Every definition in the EKG Dictionary cites the guideline, consensus statement or original paper it comes from.