Where does Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) originate from?

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is characterized by an abnormally rapid heart rate that originates above the ventricles. This means that the source of the arrhythmia is typically in the atria or at the atrioventricular (AV) node. The AV node is critical in coordinating the electrical signals between the atria and the ventricles, and when there is a disruption or abnormal re-entry of signals, SVT can occur.

In SVT, the fast heart rate is due to electrical impulses that originate in either the atria or within the AV node itself, leading to rapid contractions of the heart. This is distinct from tachycardias that originate from within the ventricles, which would not be classified as supraventricular.

Understanding the origin of SVT is essential for appropriate treatment and management, as the therapeutic approaches may vary depending on whether the underlying cause is related to atrial tissue or the AV node, rather than being rooted in structures like the ventricles or coronary arteries that play different roles in cardiac function.