Emergency MedicineCardiology
Peri-Arrest Tachyarrhythmia (Adult)
RCUK adult tachycardia algorithm — stable vs unstable, narrow vs broad complex, regular vs irregular.
Source: RCUK 2021 Adult Tachycardia Algorithm
Step 1 of ~8
info
Initial Assessment
Apply ABCDE. Continuous monitoring, IV access, 12-lead ECG, identify and treat reversible causes. Adverse features = shock (SBP <90, pallor, sweating, cold/clammy, ALOC), syncope, myocardial ischaemia (chest pain/ECG changes), severe heart failure.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Amiodarone (IV — ICU/Peri-Arrest) · Antiarrhythmic (Class III)
- Isosorbide Mononitrate (Stable Angina) · Nitrate / Stable Angina
- Nicorandil · Stable Angina
- Ranolazine · Refractory Stable Angina
- Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) · Coagulation Factor Concentrate — Warfarin Reversal
- Vitamin B complex · B-vitamin combination
Pathways
- Difficult Airway Algorithm (DAS) · DAS 2015; Royal College of Anaesthetists
- Major Haemorrhage Protocol · NICE NG24; UK MHP guidelines
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
- Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation · Resuscitation Council UK ACLS; ESC 2022 Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines
Featured in these MRCEM clinical pathways
A deeper exam-focused version of this pathway is available on our sister siteReviseMRCEM.
MRCEM Primary / Intermediate / OSCE candidates: each pathway includes exam-style questions, RCEM/NICE citations, and FAQ summaries.
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.