Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) Practice exam

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is characterized by a rapid heartbeat exceeding 100 beats per minute while maintaining a regular rhythm. This arrhythmia originates above the ventricles, typically in the atria or the atrioventricular (AV) node, and can develop due to various triggers such as stress, caffeine, or certain medical conditions.

The regularity of the heartbeat in SVT is significant; unlike other arrhythmias where the rhythm may be irregular, SVT presents with a consistent pattern of quick heartbeats. This swift and regular rate distinguishes SVT from other types of arrhythmias, such as atrial flutter, which can exhibit both rapid and irregular beats, demonstrating an organized but typically fluctuating rhythm.

Understanding the features of SVT is vital for accurate diagnosis and management in clinical practice, enabling healthcare providers to differentiate it from other arrhythmias that may present with irregular rhythms or different rates.