2015 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Management of Adult Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardia: Executive Summary

“The overall goal of the guideline is to provide clinicians with the tools needed to successfully diagnose and treat patients with supraventricular tachycardia upon presentation in the inpatient or outpatient setting. This includes quick diagnosis and treatment, making any necessary referrals to cardiology and electrophysiology specialists, discussion and collaboration with the patient, and the prescription of appropriate treatment.”

“Despite a 12-year gap in the update for these guidelines, there have been very few advances in antiarrhythmic drug therapy to offer patients with SVT. Catheter ablation has taken a stronger foothold in the chronic treatment of SVT and as such many physicians and patients are opting for invasive therapy earlier in the course of therapy.”

“It is important that the patient be included in the clinical decision-making process, with consideration of his/her preferences and goals for therapy, as well as his/her unique physical, psychological and social situation. The various choices for therapy, including drugs, cardioversion, invasive treatment or a combination thereof, can be confusing to the patient, so a detailed explanation of the benefits and risks must be included in the conversation.”