Sinus Rhythm Vs. Supraventricular Tachycardia (Non-Sustained) on Your Watch ECG

Got other questions on Sinus Rhythm or SVT? See the Qaly guides on Sinus Rhythm and SVT:

• What Sinus Rhythm Looks Like on Your ECG
• What SVT Looks Like on Your ECG
• ‍How to Read an ECG: Stanford Cardiologist Explains
• ‍The Ultimate Cardiologist's Guide to the Smartwatch ECG

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Introduction

As wearable health tech advances, understanding the jargon of heart health is becoming increasingly essential. The electrocardiogram, better known as ECG, is a handy tool in visualizing heart rhythms. Today, we're comparing SVT vs sinus rhythm, and we'll help you understand the ECG showing SVT vs. normal sinus rhythm right from your smartwatch. Let’s dive in.

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What’s Sinus Rhythm?

Sinus rhythm, or normal sinus rhythm, is considered the standard rhythm of a healthy heart. In this pattern, electrical signals originate from the sinoatrial (SA) node located in the right atrium, initiating each heartbeat and ensuring they occur at a steady, regular rate.

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On an ECG, sinus rhythm is characterized by a distinct P wave (indicating atrial contraction) followed by the QRS complex (signifying ventricular contraction), then the T wave (representing ventricular relaxation). This cycle repeats at a rate of 60-100 times per minute in adults at rest. Here’s more on what sinus rhythm looks like on your watch ECG.

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What’s Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)?

SVT is an abnormal fast heart rhythm starting in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart, leading to a heart rate often between 150 to 250 beats per minute. On an ECG, SVT is identified by a rapid, regular rhythm with typically narrow QRS complexes. Often, P waves are difficult to see. 

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“Non-sustained” SVT lasts less than 30 seconds, whereas “sustained” SVT lasts longer, sometimes even up to several hours. Here’s more on what SVT looks like on your watch ECG.

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What’s the Difference Between SVT and Sinus Rhythm?

In the comparison of sinus rhythm vs SVT, the most apparent difference lies in their rates: sinus rhythm generally ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, while SVT often exceeds 150 beats per minute.

The appearance on an ECG also differentiates the two rhythms. A sinus rhythm displays a distinct pattern of P, QRS, and T waves, indicating the orderly contraction of the heart chambers. In contrast, an EKG showing SVT vs. normal sinus rhythm might present rapid rhythms with hidden or abnormal P waves.

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In terms of health implications, sinus rhythm indicates a healthy heart rhythm, while non-sustained SVT is typically benign but can cause symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, or fainting. It might indicate an underlying cardiac condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

In conclusion, understanding your heart rhythms, whether it's sinus rhythm or SVT, is integral to maintaining cardiovascular health. While your watch ECG can provide you with valuable real-time data, always consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation if you have any concerns. Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay heart healthy!

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Still Not Sure if It’s Sinus Rhythm or Supraventricular Tachycardia (Non-Sustained) on Your ECG?

Differentiating between SVT vs sinus rhythm on your ECG can be tricky. If you’re still looking for help interpreting your ECG further, check out the Qaly app on App Store or Play Store. On Qaly, human experts will interpret your ECGs within minutes, day or night. Try out the Qaly app today!