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 (VT) and Heart Rate
Introduction
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a potentially serious heart rhythm disorder originating from the ventricles. It is characterized by a fast heart rate, typically above 100 beats per minute (bpm), which can compromise the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.
Key Characteristics of VT
- Heart Rate: Usually between 100-250 bpm.
- Regular or Irregular Rhythm: It can be monomorphic (same QRS morphology) or polymorphic (varying QRS morphologies).
- Symptoms: May include palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or even loss of consciousness.
- Causes: Coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, electrolyte imbalances, or congenital conditions (e.g., Long QT syndrome).
Classification
- Sustained VT (lasting >30 sec) - Requires immediate medical attention.
- Non-sustained VT (lasting <30 sec) - May be asymptomatic but needs evaluation.
- Polymorphic VT - Includes Torsades de Pointes, associated with QT prolongation.
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Primary tool to identify VT.
- Holter monitoring: For detecting intermittent episodes.
- Electrophysiologic study (EPS): To evaluate arrhythmia mechanisms.
- Blood tests: Check electrolyte imbalances or cardiac biomarkers.
Treatment Strategies
Emergency Management:
- Stable VT: Antiarrhythmic medications (amiodarone, lidocaine, procainamide).
- Unstable VT: Requires immediate synchronized cardioversion or defibrillation if pulseless.
Long-term Management:
- Medications: Beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): Prevents sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients.
- Catheter Ablation: For drug-resistant cases.
Conclusion
VT is a serious condition that needs urgent recognition and management. If you have symptoms like a racing heartbeat or dizziness, seek medical attention promptly.
Source recommendations
1. 2022 AHA/ACC/HRS Guidelines for the Management of Ventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000548
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2024.02.014
2. 2022 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Ventricular Arrhythmias
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2022/09/02/14/23/2022-ESC-Guidelines-for-VAs-ESC-2022
- 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.