A fib: HTN, heart failure, OSA, sympathetic activity (stress from infection, withdrawal, drug use, hyperthyroidism, PE, post-op stress, severe pain, hypoxemia, pheochromocytoma, other)
A flutter: similar to a fib
MAT: typically underlying lung disease (eg severe copd)
Symptoms
Typical symptoms are palpitations or sense that heart is racing
May have SOB, DOE, light headedness - depending on duration, LV function - can lead to heart failure if ventricular response left fast (ie persistently > 100) over weeks to months
Fatigue related to decreased exercise tolerance or CHF
SVTs do NOT typically cause syncope, unless very fast (as with WPW) or coupled with another condition (e.g. hypovolemia, depressed left ventricular function)
Physical Exam Findings
Elevated HR (> 100)
If a fib, irregularly irregular
May have findings of heart failure (elevated jvp, pulmonary edema, lower extremity edema)