Foreword

Article Outline

• Copyright

Supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) are the commonest types of tachycardias seen in clinical practice and are associated with a considerable amount of morbidity. Since its first description in 1867, the field has advanced enormously in the recognition, identification, and differentiation of the various SVTs. Our understanding of the mechanism and anatomic locations of the disorders has led to the development of highly effective pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment strategies.

Melvin Scheinman performed the first catheter-based ablation procedure in man and is a pioneer in the field.

Scheinman and his colleagues have prepared a scholarly, exhaustive, almost encyclopedic review of this topic that is presented in two parts:

The Editorial Board and I are grateful to Scheinman and colleagues for this superb contribution; almost anything and everything that most clinicians and cardiologists need to know about SVTs is included. We are also very obliged to Fred Morady^⁎ for his excellent and important comments.

• ⁎ Fred Morady, MD, is Professor of Internal Medicine, McKay Professor of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, Ann Arbor, MI.