Sinus Tachycardia - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Usually apparent on the EKG, but if heart rate is above 140 bpm the P wave may be difficult to distinguish from the previous T wave and one may confuse it with a paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia or atrial flutter with a 2:1 block. Ways to distinguish the three are:

• Vagal maneuvers (such as carotid sinus massage or Valsalva's maneuver) to slow the rate and identification of P waves
• administer AV blockers (e.g., adenosine, verapamil) to identify atrial flutter with 2:1 block