Ventricular tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by a rapid heart rate, usually exceeding 100 or 120 beats per minute, originating from the ventricles. It's defined by three or more consecutive ventricular complexes on an electrocardiogram (ECG). The QRS complexes in ventricular tachycardia are typically wide and have an abnormal morphology.

Lead II rhythm ventricular tachycardia (VT)

Causes

Ventricular tachycardia is often associated with structural heart disease, particularly ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis. Other causes may include congenital heart diseases, electrolyte imbalance, drug toxicity, or channelopathies like Long QT syndrome.

Symptoms

Symptoms can range from none to life-threatening. They may include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness. In some cases, ventricular tachycardia can lead to ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening arrhythmia that can cause cardiac arrest.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made based on an ECG. It shows a heart rate over 100 beats per minute with wide and abnormal QRS complexes, indicating the rhythm's ventricular origin. Other diagnostic tests may include echocardiography, coronary angiography, or electrophysiologic studies.

Treatment

Treatment for ventricular tachycardia aims to restore a normal heart rate, treat underlying causes, and prevent future episodes. This might include antiarrhythmic medications, electrical cardioversion, catheter ablation, or implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator.

See Also

• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Ischemic heart disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Electrocardiogram

References

1. Zipes DP, Camm AJ, Borggrefe M, et al. ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death. Circulation. 2006;114:e385–e484.

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