What is the preferred treatment for a patient with supraventricular tachycardia who is not hemodynamically unstable?

In the management of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in a patient who is not hemodynamically unstable, intravenous diltiazem is favored due to its effective rate control and the ability to restore normal sinus rhythm. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that works by slowing conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, which can help terminate the tachycardic episode and stabilize the patient's heart rate.

When SVT occurs, it often involves reentrant circuits that can be efficiently addressed through the administration of diltiazem, especially in the absence of hemodynamic instability. This approach is preferred because diltiazem can be titrated to achieve the desired heart rate response and has a relatively rapid onset of action.

In contrast to other options, intravenous digoxin may not be as effective in the acute setting, as it typically has a slower onset and is more often used in chronic management of atrial fibrillation or heart failure. Immediate direct current cardioversion is reserved for instances where the patient is hemodynamically unstable or if medications are ineffective. Ibutilide is an antiarrhythmic agent that is more commonly indicated for other types of arrhythmias, such as