Final answer:
Supraventricular tachycardia, sinus tachycardia, and atrial flutter are different types of arrhythmias with distinct characteristics. SVT originates above the ventricles and is caused by abnormal electrical connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Supraventricular tachycardia, sinus tachycardia, and atrial flutter are all types of arrhythmias that affect the heart's rhythm. Here are the differences:
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): It is a fast heart rate that originates above the ventricles, in the atria or the atrioventricular node. SVT can cause palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. It is commonly due to abnormal electrical connections in the heart.
- Sinus tachycardia: It is a fast heart rate that originates from the sinus node in a regular rhythm. Sinus tachycardia can occur in response to exercise, stress, or certain medications. It is a normal response to physiological stressors.
- Atrial flutter: It is a rapid and regular heart rate caused by a reentrant circuit in the atria. Atrial flutter typically presents with a characteristic sawtooth pattern on an electrocardiogram (ECG).