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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): Meaning, Causes, and Treatment
Introduction
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a type of fast heart rhythm that originates from the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). It can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical attention.
Definition of Ventricular Tachycardia
VT is defined as a rapid heart rate of 100 beats per minute (bpm) or more, originating from the ventricles, lasting for at least three consecutive beats. It can be categorized as: - Sustained VT: Lasting more than 30 seconds or requiring termination due to hemodynamic instability. - Non-sustained VT: Lasting less than 30 seconds and resolving spontaneously.
Causes of Ventricular Tachycardia
VT commonly occurs in people with underlying heart disease. Some major causes include: - Coronary artery disease (e.g., after a heart attack) - Cardiomyopathy (dilated or hypertrophic) - Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium) - Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) - Congenital heart conditions (such as long QT syndrome) - Toxic causes (e.g., drug-induced QT prolongation)
Symptoms of Ventricular Tachycardia
Some patients with VT may not have symptoms, while others may experience: - Palpitations (fast, irregular heartbeat) - Dizziness or fainting - Shortness of breath - Chest pain - Cardiac arrest in severe cases
Diagnosis
A doctor may diagnose VT using: - Electrocardiogram (ECG): The primary test to identify VT. - Holter monitor: A device that records heart rhythm over 24-48 hours. - Electrophysiological study (EPS): Assesses electrical activity of the heart. - Cardiac MRI or echocardiogram: To detect underlying structural heart disease.
Treatment Options
Management depends on the severity of the condition:
Emergency Treatment
- Cardioversion (electric shock therapy) for unstable VT.
- Intravenous antiarrhythmic medications (e.g., amiodarone, lidocaine).
Long-Term Treatment
- Medications: Beta-blockers, amiodarone.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): Prevents sudden cardiac death.
- Catheter ablation: Destroys abnormal heart tissue causing VT.
- Lifestyle changes: Managing heart disease risk factors (e.g., blood pressure control, quitting smoking).
Conclusion
Ventricular tachycardia is a serious condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. If you experience symptoms such as palpitations or fainting, seek medical attention immediately.
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://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/ventricular-fibrillation
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death
- 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.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- 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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