Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What does a heart rate of 190/min typically indicate in a clinical setting?

1. Bradycardia

2. Normal sinus rhythm

3. Supraventricular tachycardia

4. Ventricular tachycardia

The correct answer is: Supraventricular tachycardia

A heart rate of 190 beats per minute is indicative of tachycardia, which is an elevated heart rate above the normal range (typically defined as 60-100 beats per minute). In a clinical setting, such a high heart rate can suggest either supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or ventricular tachycardia. Supraventricular tachycardia is characterized by rapid heart rates originating above the ventricles, often due to reentrant circuits or hyperactivity of the atrial pacemaker cells. Generally, SVT presents as a regular rhythm and the patient may not exhibit significant changes in blood pressure unless the tachycardia is sustained or the patient has underlying heart disease. In contrast, ventricular tachycardia originates from the ventricles and can be more dangerous, often leading to symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or hypotension. The distinction between SVT and ventricular tachycardia is crucial, as SVT usually retains some form of effective cardiac output, whereas ventricular tachycardia can compromise hemodynamics significantly. Recognizing the heart rate of 190/min as supraventricular tachycardia is essential for appropriate intervention, as it can often be managed with vagal