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 (ICD-10 Code: I47.2)
Introduction
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by a rapid heartbeat originating from the ventricles. It can lead to severe complications, including sudden cardiac arrest, if not managed properly.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Structural Heart Disease: Myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Low potassium or magnesium levels.
- Genetic Syndromes: Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome.
- Medications: Some antiarrhythmic drugs, antidepressants.
- Previous Heart Surgery: Scar tissue can trigger VT.
Symptoms
- Palpitations (rapid, strong heartbeats)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden cardiac arrest (in severe cases)
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Identifies VT patterns.
- Holter Monitoring: Records heart activity over time.
- Echocardiography: Evaluates heart structure.
- Electrophysiological Study (EPS): Identifies specific arrhythmia mechanisms.
Treatment
Immediate Management:
- Cardioversion: Electrical shock to restore normal rhythm.
- Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Amiodarone, lidocaine.
- Magnesium Infusion: For torsades de pointes (a type of VT).
Long-term Treatment:
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): Prevents sudden cardiac death.
- Catheter Ablation: Destroys abnormal electrical pathways.
- Medications: Beta-blockers, amiodarone.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Avoid caffeine, stress, excessive alcohol.
Prognosis
The outcome depends on the underlying cause. Patients with ICDs have a significantly reduced risk of sudden cardiac death. Managing risk factors and regular follow-ups with a cardiologist are crucial.
Source recommendations
1. 2022 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Ventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2024.02.014
2. 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardiac Arrhythmias and Ventricular Tachycardia
- 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.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacep.2022.12.008
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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.