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Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Introduction

Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) is a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder where the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) beat very fast but do not generate effective blood circulation. This results in no detectable pulse and requires immediate medical intervention.

Causes of Pulseless VT

Pulseless VT can be caused by various cardiac and non-cardiac conditions, including: - Coronary artery disease (CAD) – Blocked arteries reducing blood flow to the heart - Myocardial infarction (heart attack) – Damage to heart tissue that disrupts electrical impulses - Electrolyte imbalances – Abnormal potassium, calcium, or magnesium levels affecting heart conduction - Cardiomyopathy – Structural or functional abnormalities of the heart muscle - Drug toxicity – Certain medications or illicit drugs that disrupt electrical activity - Congenital heart conditions – Inherited or birth-related defects that increase arrhythmia risk

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Because pulseless VT leads to a sudden loss of circulation, symptoms develop rapidly and include: - Sudden collapse - Loss of consciousness - No detectable pulse - Absent or gasping breathing

To confirm the diagnosis, healthcare providers use: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Shows a fast, wide QRS complex rhythm - Clinical evaluation – No pulse and no normal breathing

Emergency Treatment

Pulseless VT is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention following Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) guidelines:

Call for emergency help (911 or local emergency services).
Begin high-quality CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
Defibrillation: Deliver an electric shock via an automated external defibrillator (AED) or manual defibrillator to restore a normal rhythm.
Administer medications: Epinephrine and antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone, lidocaine) if required.
Identify and Treat Underlying Causes: After stabilization, further medical evaluation is necessary to prevent recurrence.

Prevention and Long-Term Management

If a patient survives pulseless VT, further measures may be necessary: - Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): A device implanted to monitor and correct abnormal heart rhythms. - Medication Therapy: Beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, or other drugs to manage risk factors. - Lifestyle Modifications: Diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and managing hypertension or diabetes to reduce heart disease risk.

Conclusion

Pulseless VT is a critical medical emergency that requires immediate CPR and defibrillation. Anyone at risk should seek cardiology evaluation to prevent future episodes.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Guidelines

2. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation

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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