About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach)
Introduction
Ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach) is a serious heart rhythm disorder originating in the ventricles. It can lead to life-threatening complications, such as ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. Understanding its causes is essential for diagnosis and treatment.
Main Causes
1. Structural Heart Disease
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Reduced blood supply due to atherosclerosis can lead to scarring and electrical instability.
- Previous Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Scar tissue disrupts normal electrical conduction, leading to arrhythmia.
- Cardiomyopathy: Diseases like dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can cause V-Tach by altering heart muscle function.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Structural abnormalities present from birth can predispose individuals to arrhythmias.
2. Electrolyte Imbalances
- Low potassium (Hypokalemia) and low magnesium (Hypomagnesemia) can destabilize the heart’s electrical activity.
3. Drug-Induced Causes
- Certain medications, including antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, or stimulants, can trigger V-Tach.
- Recreational drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine can also be triggers.
4. Genetic Disorders
- Long QT Syndrome: Prolonged repolarization increases the risk of dangerous arrhythmias.
- Brugada Syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting ion channels in the heart.
- Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT): An inherited condition triggered by physical or emotional stress.
5. Other Medical Conditions
- Heart Failure: Weakening of the heart muscle increases arrhythmia risk.
- Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle due to infections or autoimmune diseases.
- Metabolic Disorders: Conditions like thyroid dysfunction can impact heart rhythm.
Conclusion
Ventricular tachycardia is a potentially life-threatening condition with multiple possible causes. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for tailoring treatment and preventing complications. If V-Tach is suspected, medical attention is crucial.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Ventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/ventricular-fibrillation
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29097320/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Ventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.