How is IST Diagnosed? There are no universal 'diagnosis criteria' for IST. Instead, there are 'guidelines' which are generally adhered to by Electrophysiologists 1 : A) Documenting IST on : - ECG for resting Heart Rate - resting Heart Rate generally must exceed 100bpm - 24hr ECG / Holter Recording - the mean heart rate during 24 hours should be > 95bpm - Exercise / Stress Test - demonstrate an inappropriate heart rate response to exercise B) Symptoms are documented to be due to tachycardia C) Other causes of a sinus tachycardia must be excluded D) An EP Study to exclude another type of arrhythmia called an atrial tachycardia In practice - an EP Study is most often not performed before an IST diagnosis is made Tests used in the diagnosis of IST > click picture for more information on this ECG of sinus tachycardia |
| 1 Guidelines adapted from chapter VII.Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia - from Atrial Tachycardia (Clinical Approaches to Tachyarrhythmias, V. 11) by Michael D. Lesh M.D., Franz X. Roithinger M.D. Please visit the Books Links Section for more details. |
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