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)
Introduction
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a life-threatening arrhythmia that originates in the ventricles and is typically characterized by a rapid heart rate (>100 beats per minute). It can be classified into sustained and non-sustained forms, and it requires prompt evaluation and management.
Causes of VT
Structural Heart Disease:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): Often associated with myocardial infarction and scarring.
- Cardiomyopathy: Conditions such as dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Congenital heart disease: Some congenital defects predispose to VT.
Non-Structural Causes:
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium or magnesium).
- Drug-induced VT: Medications like antiarrhythmics, digitalis toxicity.
- Genetic syndromes: Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic VT.
Symptoms of VT
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Syncope (fainting)
- Chest pain
- Sudden cardiac arrest in severe cases
Diagnosis of VT
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Wide-complex tachycardia, characteristic morphology.
- Holter Monitoring: Continuous ECG recording for arrhythmia detection.
- Electrophysiology Study (EPS): Evaluates the source and mechanism of VT.
- Echocardiography/MRI: Assesses structural heart disease.
Treatment Options
Acute Management:
- Stable VT: Antiarrhythmic drugs (amiodarone, procainamide, lidocaine).
- Unstable VT: Immediate cardioversion.
- Pulseless VT: Follow Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocol with defibrillation.
Long-term Management:
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): Life-saving in many cases.
- Medications: Beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics.
- Catheter Ablation: For recurrent VT cases.
- Lifestyle Changes: Control of underlying diseases (e.g., CAD management).
Conclusion
VT is a serious cardiac rhythm disorder requiring immediate attention and often long-term management. Early diagnosis and the right therapeutic approach significantly improve outcomes.
Source recommendations
1. 2022 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(17)31249-3/fulltext
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000548
2. 2022 ESC Guidelines on Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- 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://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2022/09/02/14/23/2022-ESC-Guidelines-for-VAs-ESC-2022
- https://academic.oup.com/europace/article/25/5/euad091/7143805
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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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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.