In comparing SVT and V-Tach, what is a significant difference regarding heart rate and QRS complex?

In the context of distinguishing between supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach), it is important to recognize the characteristics of the QRS complex and the presence of P waves.

In V-Tach, the electrical activity originates in the ventricles, which leads to a broad or wide QRS complex. This is due to the fact that the ventricles are depolarizing in an abnormal manner as they take over the pacing of the heart. Additionally, in most cases of V-Tach, clear P waves are often absent because the atria are not being activated properly due to the rapid ventricular rhythm. Hence, the lack of recognizable P waves is a noteworthy feature of V-Tach.

Conversely, in SVT, the arrhythmia typically arises from above the ventricles (i.e., from the atria or the AV node). This leads to a narrower QRS complex because the ventricles are depolarized in a normal physiological manner. In many forms of SVT, especially atrial tachycardias, P waves can usually be identified, although they might be inconspicuous or hidden within the QRS complexes.

Therefore, the presence of a clear P wave in