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SVT is a term we use frequently in clinical practice. But SVT is not one single diagnosis. It is an umbrella term for several different supraventricular tachycardias, each with its own mechanism, ECG appearance and treatment. This article is the first part of a series on SVT and ECG interpretation in clinical practice. We start with a clinical case where the diagnosis is not immediately obvious: a fast, regular tachycardia with a wide QRS complex, known right bundle branch bl

About this article series Why does the right ventricle fail so abruptly – even when it initially seems to cope? Right ventricular failure is best understood through pressure-volume loops, elastance (Ees), afterload (Ea), and ventriculo-pulmonary coupling. These concepts explain how the right ventricle generates pressure, responds to increased pulmonary vascular load, and ultimately fails when the balance between contractility and afterload is lost. In clinical practice, this

This article builds on the fundamental concepts of right-sided heart failure, including clinical features and diagnostic approach, which are covered in detail, available for further reading here : Right-Sided Heart Failure: Clinical Features, Causes, and Diagnosis Acute right ventricular (RV) failure is not just a diagnosis—it’s a rapidly evolving hemodynamic state where rising pulmonary resistance can lead to circulatory collapse within hours. Introduction Acute right ventr

Right-sided heart failure is a clinical condition in which the right ventricle fails to pump blood effectively through the pulmonary circulation, leading to systemic venous congestion and elevated central venous pressure (CVP). It is frequently under-recognized, yet it can result in significant hemodynamic compromise and multi-organ dysfunction if not identified early. Unlike left-sided heart failure, where pulmonary congestion dominates, right-sided failure is characterized

Catheter ablation is one of the most effective treatments for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). But how well does the treatment actually work? This article is part of complete guide to atrial fibrillation ablation , where we also review procedural risks, ablation techniques, and which patients should be considered for treatment . The success rate after catheter ablation varies between patient groups. In paroxysmal atrial fibrillation , approx

Short summary: Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has a very low mortality rate (<0.1%), and serious complications occur in approximately 1–2% of cases. In appropriately selected patients, the expected clinical benefit usually outweighs the procedural risk. This article is part of our comprehensive guide to atrial fibrillation ablation , where we also review success rates, techniques, energy sources, and which patients should be considered for treatment. What Is

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia worldwide. For some individuals, it causes intermittent palpitations. For others, it significantly affects work capacity, sleep, exercise tolerance, and overall quality of life. In selected patients, AF may worsen heart failure or contribute to reduced left ventricular systolic function. Over the past decade, catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation has evolved from a treatment reserved for antiarrhyt

Cardiogenic shock is primarily a low-flow state . Critically reduced cardiac output may be present even when blood pressure appears normal due to compensatory vasoconstriction. In these situations, clinical assessment and echocardiography alone may not fully explain the physiology. Selective use of invasive hemodynamic monitoring with a pulmonary artery catheter (Swan–Ganz) or PiCCO can clarify the dominant mechanism and guide targeted therapy. Key principle: In cardiogenic