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.
Ventricular Tachycardia with a Pulse (Pulse VT)
Introduction
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a dangerous arrhythmia characterized by a rapid heart rhythm originating from the ventricles. When VT presents with a pulse (stable or unstable), it requires prompt diagnosis and management to prevent progression to life-threatening conditions like ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest.
Causes of Ventricular Tachycardia
VT can be caused by several underlying conditions, including: - Coronary artery disease (CAD) and prior heart attacks - Heart failure and cardiomyopathies - Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium or magnesium) - Long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome (genetic disorders) - Structural heart disease - Drug toxicity (such as antiarrhythmic drugs or stimulants)
Symptoms of Pulse VT
- Palpitations (fast and forceful heartbeats)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Syncope (fainting) in severe cases
- If untreated, progression to cardiac arrest
Diagnostic Approach
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Identifies wide complex tachycardia.
- Blood tests: Assess electrolyte levels, cardiac biomarkers.
- Echocardiogram (ECHO): Evaluates heart structure and function.
- Cardiac MRI or CT scan: In some cases to detect underlying heart disease.
- Electrophysiological study (EPS): If needed for further arrhythmia assessment.
Treatment of Pulse VT
A) Stable VT (hemodynamically stable — patient is conscious without severe symptoms)
- IV antiarrhythmic drugs: Amiodarone, procainamide, or sotalol.
- Correction of underlying causes: Electrolyte imbalances, ischemia.
- Consideration for catheter ablation if with recurrent episodes.
B) Unstable VT (hypotension, altered mental state, chest pain, severe symptoms)
- Immediate synchronized cardioversion.
- Follow-up with IV antiarrhythmics to prevent recurrence.
C) Long-Term Prevention
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): If at risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
- Medications: Beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs.
- Lifestyle modification: Avoid stimulants, control hypertension, and manage heart disease.
- Catheter Ablation: Considered in recurrent or drug-resistant VT.
Conclusion
Pulse VT is a serious condition requiring rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment. Managing underlying causes and preventing recurrence is crucial for patient outcomes.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines on Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29097320/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000548
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/ventricular-fibrillation
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26320108/
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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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