What is the typical treatment for stable narrow-complex tachycardia?

Stable narrow-complex tachycardia typically arises from reentry circuits such as atrial tachycardia or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which result in a heart rate that is both elevated and narrow in appearance on an ECG. The appropriate initial management of this condition focuses on restoring a normal heart rhythm and rate.

Vagal maneuvers are non-invasive techniques designed to stimulate the vagus nerve, which can slow down the heart rate and sometimes convert the tachycardia back to a normal rhythm. These maneuvers include actions such as the Valsalva maneuver or carotid sinus massage. If vagal maneuvers are ineffective, administering adenosine can help by temporarily blocking conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, which may interrupt the reentrant circuit and restore a normal rhythm.

In the context of stable narrow-complex tachycardia, focusing on these maneuvers and medication administration is critical, as they directly address the underlying rhythm disturbance. Other interventions, such as immediate defibrillation, are reserved for unstable tachycardias, intravenous fluid resuscitation may be indicated in specific contexts like dehydration or shock but does not directly address the tachycardia itself