Differentiating wide complex tachycardias: A historical perspective

Abstract

One of the most critical and challenging skills is the distinction of wide complex tachycardias into ventricular tachycardia or supraventricular wide complex tachycardia. Prompt and accurate differentiation of wide complex tachycardias naturally influences short- and long-term management decisions and may directly affect patient outcomes. Currently, there are many useful electrocardiographic criteria and algorithms designed to distinguish ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular wide complex tachycardia accurately; however, no single approach guarantees diagnostic certainty. In this review, we offer an in-depth analysis of available methods to differentiate wide complex tachycardias by retrospectively examining its rich literature base – one that spans several decades.

Keywords

• Electrocardiogram
• Supraventricular tachycardia
• Supraventricular wide complex tachycardia
• Wide complex tachycardia
• Ventricular tachycardia