The narrow complex tachycardias (NCT) are a number of clinical conditions that are defined primarily by their ECG findings but differ in their significance.  All NCTs originate above the level of the atrioventricular node and use the ventricles’ normal conduction pathways.

• Do not attempt to control heart rate or rhythm, using either medications or cardioversion, if the tachycardia is believed to be compensatory (e.g., pain, hypovolemia, fever, hypoxia).  A thorough history must be obtained prior to initiating therapy.  Manage any of these major underlying conditions prior to addressing the tachycardia. 
• Adenosine is the preferred treatment option for patients experiencing mild to moderate symptoms believed to be associated with a supraventricular tachycardia and whose dysrhythmias cannot be terminated through a modified Valsalva maneuver.
• Electrical cardioversion should be reserved for those patients with severe symptoms or who show signs of significant hemodynamic instability, regardless of the underlying rhythm.

• Atrial fibrillation is the result of electrical activity at multiple ectopic foci in the atria that overwhelm the atrioventricular node and can produce rapid heart rates.  The rhythm in atrial fibrillation is irregularly irregular and there are no discernable P-waves on the ECG.
• Atrial flutter is produced by a re-entry circuit within the atria, coupled with an AV node that fails to consistently conduct impulses to the ventricles.  Conduction to the ventricles usually follows a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio, which produces a difference between atrial activity and ventricular activity.  The rhythm is generally regular, with characteristic 'sawtooth' P-waves on the ECG.  Both atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are associated with structural heart disease as well as age. 
• Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT or SVT) is the result of the development of an accessory conduction pathway between the atria and the ventricles, separate from the AV node.  SVT can develop in any individual, at any age, and can be triggered by caffeine or other stimulants, exertion, or – in many cases, nothing at all. 
• NCTs may present with chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, pounding in the chest, shortness of breath, or weakness.  A history of previous episodes, with similar symptoms, is highly suggestive of a recurrent disease process.  Consider a patient with a NCT to be unstable when presenting with:
  • An altered level of consciousness
  • A systolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg
  • Ischemic-type chest pain
  • Significant shortness of breath and/or evidence of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
• The formal diagnosis of NCT, whether atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or SVT, often requires prolonged Holter monitoring (at some significant cost to the health care system as the arrhythmias often do not develop during monitoring).  Paramedics should therefore endeavour to acquire a high-quality electrocardiogram on all NCT patients, both for their own clinical purposes and also for the patient’s benefit as well, particularly if no formal diagnosis has been made.
• In atrial flutter, adenosine may temporarily suppress ventricular activity allowing the flutter waves to be seen more clearly.  This is a diagnostic for atrial flutter; adenosine should not, however, be used by paramedics solely as a diagnostic tool. 
• Many patients with atrial fibrillation are only mildly symptomatic and require no care beyond monitoring and reassurance.  Patients with atrial fibrillation who are symptomatic can be cardioverted; use caution if the onset of the atrial fibrillation is believed to be > 48 hours prior to EMS contact as there is a risk of embolization if the patient is not anticoagulated.  Consultation with CliniCall is mandatory in these cases (see ACP interventions below).

Stable Narrow Complex Tachycardia

Unstable Tachycardia (Wide or Narrow Complex)