Sinus Tachycardia

View Rhythm Strip
Transcutaneous PacingStep-by-step setup, capture & troubleshooting
TC Pacing — Quick Steps
Full guide →
  1. Apply pads anterior–posterior; attach ECG leads from the pacer/monitor.
  2. Pre-medicate for discomfort: midazolam ± fentanyl if BP allows.
  3. Set mode Demand (synchronous), rate 60–80/min.
  4. Increase output (mA) by 5–10 until electrical capture (wide QRS after each spike).
  5. Confirm mechanical capture: palpate femoral/right brachial pulse (not carotid).
  6. Set final output ~10 mA above threshold; reassess BP, perfusion, mentation.
  7. Bridge to transvenous pacing or treat underlying cause.
ANTERIORANTPOSTERIORPOSTSandwich the heart between pads
A–P pad placement

Rhythm strip

Source ↗
Upright P before QRSRegularRate >100, gradual onset
Schematic placeholder — tap labels to highlight key features.

Tap a label on the strip to highlight the matching feature below.

  • Upright P in II, inverted in aVR before each QRS
  • Regular rhythm
  • Rate 100–160; gradual onset/offset (vs. paroxysmal SVT)
Recognition
  • Upright P before every QRS in II, inverted in aVR
  • Rate 100–160 typical (rarely > 180 in adults)
  • Gradual onset/offset (vs. paroxysmal SVT)
Management
Find and treat the cause
Symptomatic management
  • — masking compensatory tachycardia is dangerous

Educational reference only. Always follow current ACLS guidelines and institutional protocols.