Frequent attacks may require radiofrequency ablation, in which the abnormally conducting tissue in the heart is destroyed.

The slow pathway (which is usually targeted for ablation) is located inferior and slightly posterior to the AV node, often following the anterior margin of the coronary sinus.

Accessory pathways that give rise to WPW syndrome and AVRT are located in the atrioventricular valvular rings.

[3] Someone with underlying coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries of the heart by atherosclerosis) who has a very rapid heart rate may experience chest pain similar to angina; this pain is band- or pressure-like around the chest and often radiates to the left arm and angle of the left jaw.

The heart may continue to race for minutes or hours, but the eventual termination of the arrhythmia is as rapid as its onset.

[citation needed] If the symptoms are present while the person is receiving medical care (e.g., in an emergency department), an ECG may show typical changes that confirm the diagnosis i.e., QRS duration <120 ms, unless a heart block is suspected.

[7] If the palpitations are recurrent, a doctor may request a Holter monitor (portable, wearable ECG recorder).

All these ECG-based technologies also enable the distinction between AVNRT and other abnormal fast heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, sinus tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia and tachyarrhythmias related to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, all of which may have symptoms that are similar to AVNRT.

[8] An episode of supraventricular tachycardia due to AVNRT can be terminated by any action that transiently blocks the AV node.

Some of those with AVNRT may be able to stop their attack by using physical manoeuvres that increase the activity of the vagus nerve on the heart, specifically on the atrioventricular node.

In this procedure, after administering a strong sedative or general anaesthetic, an electric shock is applied to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.

[8] Alternatively, an invasive procedure called an electrophysiology (EP) study and catheter ablation can be used to confirm the diagnosis and potentially offer a cure.

[2] The tip of one of these catheters can be used to heat or freeze the slow pathway of the AV node, destroying its ability to conduct electrical impulses, and preventing AVNRT.