A Case Report: Supraventricular Tachycardia Presenting As Atypical Abdominal Pain Following Exercise in A 72-Year-Old Diabetic Woman

Abstract

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common form of arrhythmia that typically presents with palpitations, dizziness, and chest discomfort. While these classic symptoms are well-recognized, atypical presentations such as abdominal pain are distinctly uncommon and can lead to diagnostic delays, particularly in elderly patients with comorbidities. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with an acute onset of sharp abdominal pain radiating to the back following physical exercise. Upon arrival, she was hemodynamically stable. An electrocardiogram revealed supraventricular tachycardia with an approximate rate of 170 beats per minute. Vagal maneuvers were attempted but failed to terminate the arrhythmia. Due to the unavailability of adenosine, the patient was treated with intravenous amiodarone, which successfully converted the rhythm to a normal sinus rhythm. She was admitted for monitoring and discharged on hospital day 3 in stable condition with oral bisoprolol maintenance therapy.