Sinus Tachycardia/SVT and the 220-age rule

[stcommodore]

Hey, does anyone have any info on the "220-age" rule in regards to Sinus Tachycardia and SVT.

[VentMedic]

Are you questioning HR intensity or Target HR for exercise or stress tests?

(220 - age) x the percentage of intensity = Target HR

Example: for cardiopulmonary stress tests we may calculate patients to 60% for the low limit of intensity.

We may also stop the test at 50% or lower if symptomatic.

Healthy study participants will usually acheive 85% with no problem.

This is a good formula for anyone in EMS or Fire to maintain their fitness level and to monitor while exercising.

It is when your HR reaches these percentage rates or max and stays without excercise that SVT may be an issue.

Edited June 10, 2009 by VentMedic

[Spock]

We use this rule for our firefighter rehab program. Any FF that hits 80% of his max heart rate does not return to duty until the heart rate is less than 100. It works well because it is objective and FF's that reach this level usually feel like crap and don't want to return to duty. It gives them an out and they are usually glad to take it.

Live long and prosper.

Spock

[akroeze]

I think they are asking about SVT vs. Sinus.

I had heard somewhere that 220-age, if the HR is above that then very very likely it is SVT and not sinus.

[cosgrojo]

Hey, does anyone have any info on the "220-age" rule in regards to Sinus Tachycardia and SVT.

220- patients age refers to the rate that an individuals heart can beat that epinephrine in the patients body is controlling. Our pulse can only go as fast as the Epinepherine in our bodies can make it go. In other words... that equation equals a Sinus rhythm, at a tachycardic rate. Anything above that number for the age of the patient indicates a conduction abnormality and then may be PSVT, A-fib, A flutter, or V-tach. *from the venerable Doctor Fowler*

[Tom B.]

Speaking of which, you can download that lecture from Doctor Fowler's website here:

http://www.doctorfowler.com/www/lectures/tachycardia.ppt (PowerPoint).

Tom