Value of Age and Sex in Differential Diagnosis of Supraventricular Tachycardia

Abstract

Introduction: Many algorithms have been proposed for the differential diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). However, the effect of these algorithms on different sex and age groups has not been investigated. Our aim in this study is to observe the distribution of known electrocardiography (ECG) parameters in different age and sex groups. Patients and Methods: The ECG parameters (during tachycardia) of 114 patients diagnosed with atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) or atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia (AVRT) by electrophysiology or radiofrequency ablation were evaluated retrospectively. Results: For women, pseudo r'-waves in V1 and in aVR were significant in the AVNRT group (p< 0.05), whereas the QRS alternans was significant in the AVRT group (p< 0.05). In the AVNRT group, the ST depression in the right precordial leads was found to be significant in individuals aged < 60 years; the up-sloping ST depression was found to be a significant parameter for individuals aged > 60 years in the same group (p< 0.05). The mean ST depression amplitude was higher in the AVRT patients aged > 60 years than individuals aged < 60 years in the same group (p< 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was shown that known ECG parameters differ according to age and gender. It was also demonstrated that age and gender may be included in the SVT differential diagnosis and algorithms.