Supra

Supra is a Latin prefix meaning ‘above’, ‘over’, or ‘beyond’. In medical terminology, it describes structures, conditions, or processes located above a specified anatomical reference point. The opposite prefix is infra (meaning ‘below’ or ‘beneath’).

In cardiovascular medicine, ‘supra-‘ appears in several important terms. Supraventricular means ‘above the ventricles’ and describes arrhythmias originating in the atria, sinoatrial node, or atrioventricular node. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a group of rapid heart rhythms originating above the ventricles; these are generally less dangerous than ventricular arrhythmias but can still cause significant symptoms. Supravalvar aortic stenosis describes a narrowing of the aorta above the aortic valve itself. Suprarenal arteries supply the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys.

In cardiac anatomy, the right and left atria sit above (superior to) the ventricles, which is why arrhythmias originating in the atria or AV node are described as ‘supraventricular’. The AV node forms the only normal electrical bridge between the supraventricular structures and the ventricular conduction system.

When a doctor describes a ‘supraventricular’ arrhythmia, they are indicating that the electrical fault originates in the upper chambers of the heart rather than in the ventricles. This generally implies a more benign prognosis than ventricular arrhythmias, though supraventricular arrhythmias can still cause symptoms and require treatment.