What is the preferred treatment for symptomatic supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?

Adenosine is the preferred treatment for symptomatic supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) due to its rapid onset of action and effectiveness in terminating SVT. It works by temporarily blocking the conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, which can interrupt the reentrant circuit responsible for SVT. The quick administration of adenosine can lead to immediate restoration of normal sinus rhythm, making it a suitable choice in acute situations where a patient is experiencing symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain.

Furthermore, adenosine is particularly beneficial for SVT because it has minimal side effects and is generally well tolerated. When administered, it can cause a brief period of asystole or a brief dropping of heart rhythm, which, although alarming, is usually transient and results in the regulation of the heart's electrical activity.

Other treatments, like cardioversion, are typically reserved for patients who are hemodynamically unstable or when adenosine is ineffective. Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are valuable in managing SVT as well, but they are primarily used in chronic management or when patients are not experiencing acute symptoms. Thus, adenosine is favored as the treatment of choice for immediate symptomatic