Heart rate of a tachycardia is the simplest of all . . . but neglected parameter by physicians. They are often seen spending hours together for decoding arrhythmia , splitting their brain for locating P waves , VA conduction, Fusion beats etc Finally , most end up either administering Amiodarone a broad spectrum anti arrhythmic agent or a DC shock without arriving at a correct diagnosis.
Here is an unusual algorithm for arriving at a diagnosis in all tachy-arrhythmais based only on heart rate and the width of the qrs complex with acceptable accuracy.
(Click over the table for high resolution image )
Caution :
The above table is an extremely simplified approach for tachy arrhythmias. Not applicable for scientifically inclined . But in my personal opinion , in an emergency room pure science matters less !
Dr.S.Venkatesan MD 
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