# What is the difference between supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia, and what are their implications? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/supraventricular-vs-ventricular-tachycardia-differences-and-implications Language: en Category: cardiology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:50.633Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:50.633Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/supraventricular-vs-ventricular-tachycardia-differences-and-implications Tachycardia is a general term referring to an increase in heart rate above the normal range, occurring when the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. This term encompasses various types of arrhythmias, and understanding the source of the electrical signal causing this tachycardia is crucial for determining its type, severity, and the appropriate treatment plan. Tachycardia is primarily divided into two main types based on the origin of the abnormal electrical signal: Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) and Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) [\[1\]](). ## Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) Supraventricular tachycardia occurs when rapid, irregular electrical signals originate in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) or in the atrioventricular (AV) node, an area located between the atria and the ventricles [\[1\]](). In other words, the source of the electrical disturbance is above the ventricles. Common types of supraventricular tachycardia include atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, where these conditions cause the heart to beat rapidly and irregularly [\[1\]](). Supraventricular tachycardia is often less dangerous than ventricular tachycardia and may not cause noticeable symptoms in some individuals. However, it can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain [\[1\]](). In some cases, supraventricular tachycardia may be linked to hereditary conditions such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome [\[3\]](). ## Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) Unlike supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia arises when abnormal electrical signals begin in the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart) [\[1\]](). This type of tachycardia is usually considered more serious because it may indicate an underlying, dangerous cardiac condition, such as structural heart disease or a previous heart attack [\[1\]](). Ventricular tachycardia can lead to the heart's inability to pump blood efficiently to the body, which may cause severe symptoms such as fainting, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or even sudden cardiac arrest in extreme cases [\[1\]](). Andersen-Tawil syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder that may cause ventricular tachycardia and other heart rhythm disturbances [\[2\]](). ## Diagnosis and Treatment To diagnose the type of tachycardia, doctors rely on a clinical examination, a review of medical history, and tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which records the heart's electrical activity [\[1\]](). The physician may also request other heart tests or blood work to look for underlying causes [\[1\]](). Treatment for tachycardia depends on its type, severity, and the presence of any other health conditions. Treatment may include medications that help regulate heart rate, procedures such as cardioversion, or the implantation of devices like an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) or a pacemaker [\[1\]](). In some cases, the doctor may recommend avoiding activities or substances that may trigger tachycardia [\[1\]](). The goal of treatment is to restore normal heart rhythm and prevent serious complications that could affect the heart, brain, and other organs [\[1\]](). ## When to Seek Emergency Care? If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or believe you are having a heart attack, you must seek emergency medical care immediately [\[1\]](). These symptoms may be indicators of a serious condition requiring urgent medical intervention. It is important not to ignore any unusual symptoms related to heart rate, especially if they are accompanied by severe dizziness, fainting, or a feeling of profound weakness [\[1\]](). To learn more about heart rhythm disorders and when they are dangerous, you can visit [Cardiac Arrhythmias: When Are They Dangerous and When Is Intervention Needed? (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Arrhythmia]() - [Arrhythmias Conduction Disorders]() - [Andersen-Tawil syndrome]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/supraventricular-vs-ventricular-tachycardia-differences-and-implications#answer