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ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm

The ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm is used for patients with a heart rate over 150 bpm and pulse. It determines if a patient is stable or unstable, with unstable patients needing immediate cardioversion. For stable patients, vagal maneuvers, adenosine, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers may be tried before considering procainamide, amiodarone, or sotalol. If no pulse is detected, the cardiac arrest algorithm is followed.

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190 views

ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm

The ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm is used for patients with a heart rate over 150 bpm and pulse. It determines if a patient is stable or unstable, with unstable patients needing immediate cardioversion. For stable patients, vagal maneuvers, adenosine, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers may be tried before considering procainamide, amiodarone, or sotalol. If no pulse is detected, the cardiac arrest algorithm is followed.

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neo.e.e.n
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm - ACLS Medical Training

The ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm is used for patients who have marked tachycardia, usually greater than 150 beats per minute, and a palpable
pulse.

Some patients may have cardiovascular instability with tachycardia at heart rate less than 150 bpm. It is important to consider the clinical context
when treating adult tachycardia.

If a pulse cannot be felt after palpating for up to 10 seconds, move immediately to the ACLS Cardiac Arrest VTach and VFib Algorithm to provide
treatment for pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

The immediate response to an adult patient with tachycardia and a palpable pulse is

To maintain an open airway

Assist breathing if necessary

Apply monitors to assess cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, blood oxygenation

Provide supplement oxygen to maintain O2 saturation between 94% and 99%


The main assessment in adult patients with tachycardia is to determine whether the patient is stable or not. Signs of cardiovascular instability are
hypotension, signs of shock or acute heart failure (flash pulmonary edema, jugular venous distention), altered mental status, or ischemic chest
pain.

Unstable patients with tachycardia should be treated with synchronized cardioversion as soon as possible.

Cardioversion Rules

QRS narrow and regular 50-100 Joules


QRS narrow and irregular 120-200 Joules
QRS wide and regular 100 Joules
QRS wide and irregular Turn off the synchronized mode and defibrillate immediately

Stable patients with tachycardia with a palpable pulse can be treated with more conservative measures first.

Attempt vagal maneuvers

If unsuccessful, administer adenosine 6 mg IV bolus followed by a rapid normal saline flush

If unsuccessful, administer adenosine 12 mg IV bolus followed by a rapid normal saline flush

Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers may be considered for narrow QRS tachycardia (QRS <0.12 sec)

For stable, wide QRS complex tachycardia (QRS ≥0.12 sec)

Strongly consider expert consultation

Consider procainamide 20-50 mg/min IV, OR

Amiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 minutes, OR

Sotalol 100 mg (1.5 mg/kg) over 5 minutes

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