What is the common name for PAT and PJT due to their origin above the ventricles?

What is the common name for PAT and PJT due to their origin above the ventricles?

• A. Paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia
• B. Paroxysmal atrial filarization
• C. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
• D. Atrial flutter

Answer: (C)

The common name for PAT (Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia) and PJT (Paroxysmal Junctional Tachycardia) being referred to as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) highlights their origin from above the ventricles. This classification is significant because it encompasses tachycardias that originate in the atria or the AV junction, as opposed to those originating in the ventricles.

Understanding the characteristic features of SVT is crucial. It typically presents with a regular and rapid heart rate that originates from a site above the ventricles. This encompasses various forms of push or focal activity, such as atrial tachycardia or junctional tachycardia, which are encapsulated by the term "supraventricular." The term "paroxysmal" indicates that these episodes occur suddenly and can stop abruptly, which is typical in cases of both PAT and PJT.

Both PAT and PJT share similarities in their clinical presentation, and when we refer to them collectively as SVT, it aids in the unified management and treatment approaches for these conditions, rather than treating them as entirely separate entities. This unifying terminology is especially useful in clinical practice when assessing