Ventricular tachycardia

Definition

Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid heart rhythm originating from the ventricles, characterized by at least three consecutive heartbeats at a rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. It can lead to severe complications, including cardiac arrest, if not promptly treated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ventricular tachycardia is often associated with underlying heart conditions such as coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy.
2. Common symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
3. Treatment may involve antiarrhythmic drugs like amiodarone or lidocaine and emergency interventions like defibrillation.
4. Electrolyte imbalances and drug toxicity can precipitate ventricular tachycardia.
5. It is diagnosed using an electrocardiogram (ECG) which shows wide QRS complexes.

Review Questions

• What are common symptoms associated with ventricular tachycardia?
• Which diagnostic tool is primarily used to identify ventricular tachycardia?
• Name two antiarrhythmic drugs commonly used in the treatment of ventricular tachycardia.

Related terms

Arrhythmia:

Any abnormality in the timing or pattern of the heartbeat.

Cardioversion:

A medical procedure that restores a normal heart rhythm by delivering electrical shocks to the heart.

Amiodarone:

An antiarrhythmic medication used to treat and prevent various types of serious arrhythmias.