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ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm (Stable Tachycardia)

Using the ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm for Managing Stable Tachycardia

Before proceeding, it is a good idea to view our terms.

If you would like to go to the main algorithms page, click here.

The key to managing a patient with any tachycardia is to check if pulses are present, decide if the patient is stable or unstable, and then treat the patient based on the patient's condition and rhythm. If the patient does not have a pulse, follow the ACLS Pulseless Arrest Algorithm. If the patient has a pulse, manage the patient using the ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm.


Definition of Stable Tachycardia

For a diagnosis of stable tachycardia, the patient meets the following criteria:

  • The patient's heart rate is greater than 100 bpm.
  • The patient does not have any serious signs or symptoms as a result of the increased heart rate.
  • The patient has an underlying cardiac electrical abnormality that is generating the arrhythmia.

Overview

Find out if significant symptoms are present. Evaluate the symptoms and decide if they are caused by the tachycardia or other systemic conditions. Use these questions to guide your assessment:

  • Does the patient have symptoms?
  • Is the tachycardia causing the symptoms?
  • Is the patient stable or unstable?
  • Is the QRS complex narrow or wide?
  • Is the rhythm regular or irregular?
  • Is the rhythm sinus tachycardia?

Guidelines


Situation Assessment and Actions
Patient has significant signs or symptoms of tachycardia AND they are being caused by the arrhythmia. The tachycardia is unstable. Immediate cardioversion is indicated.
Patient has a pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Follow the Pulseless Arrest Algorithm. Deliver unsynchronized high-energy shocks.
Patient has polymorphic ventricular tachycardia AND the patient is unstable. Treat the rhythm as ventricular fibrillation. Deliver unsynchronized high-energy shocks.

Steps for Managing Stable Tachycardia

Does the patient have a pulse?

Yes, the patient has a pulse. Complete the following:

  1. Assess the patient using the primary and secondary surveys.
  2. Check the airway, breathing, and circulation.
  3. Give oxygen and monitor oxygen saturation.
  4. Get an ECG.
  5. Identify rhythm.
  6. Check blood pressure.
  7. Identify and treat reversible causes.

Is the patient stable?

Look for altered mental status, ongoing chest pain, hypotension, or other signs of shock.

Remember: Rate-related symptoms are uncommon if heart rate is < 150 bpm.

Yes, the patient is stable. Take the following actions:


  1. Start an IV.
  2. Obtain a 12-lead ECG or rhythm strip.

Is the QRS complex wide or narrow?


Patient Treatment
The patient's QRS is narrow and rhythm is regular. Try vagal maneuvers.
Give adenosine 6 mg rapid IV push.
If patient does not convert, give adenosine 12 mg rapid IV push.
May repeat 12 mg dose of adenosine once.

Does the patient's rhythm convert? If it does, it was probably reentry supraventricular tachycardia. At this point you watch for a recurrence. If the tachycardia resumes, treat with adenosine or longer-acting AV nodal blocking agents, such as diltiazem or beta-blockers.


Patient Treatment
The patient's QRS is narrow (<0.12 sec). Consider an expert consultation.
The patient's rhythm is irregular. Control patient's rate with diltiazem or beta-blockers. Use beta-blockers with caution for patients with pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure.

If the rhythm pattern is irregular narrow-complex tachycardia, it is probably atrial fibrillation, possible atrial flutter, or multi-focal atrial tachycardia.


Patient Treatment
Patient's rhythm has wide (> 0.12 sec) QRS complex AND
Patient's rhythm is regular.		 Expert consultation is advised.
Patient is in ventricular tachycardia or uncertain rhythm. CAmiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 min; repeat as needed to maximum dose of 2.2 g in 24 hours.
Prepare for elective synchronized cardioversion.
Patient is in supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy. Adenosine 6 mg rapid IV push
If no conversion, give adenosine 12 mg rapid IV push; may repeat 12 mg dose once.
Patient's rhythm has wide (> 0.12) QRS complex AND
Patient's rhythm is irregular.		 Seek expert consultation.
If pre-excited atrial fibrillation (AF + WPW) Avoid AV nodal blocking agents such as adenosine, digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil.
  Consider amiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 min.
Patient has recurrent polymorphic VT Seek expert consultation,
If patient has torsades de pointes rhythm on ECG Give magnesium (load with 1-2 g over 5-60 min; then infuse.

Caution: If the tachycardia has a wide-complex QRS and is stable, consult with an expert. Management and treatment for a stable tachycardia with a wide QRS complex and either a regular or irregular rhythm should be done in the hospital setting with expert consultation available. Management requires advanced knowledge of ECG and rhythm interpretation and anti-arrhythmic therapy.

Considerations:


  • You may not be able to distinguish between a supraventricular wide-complex rhythm and a ventricular wide-complex rhythm. Most wide-complex tachycardias originate in the ventricles.
  • If the patient becomes unstable, proceed immediately to treatment. Do not delay while you try to analyze the rhythm.
  • If the patient is stable with a wide-complex tachycardia, consult with an expert or monitor the patient. Treatment in this instance has the potential for harm.