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.
Understanding Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
Introduction
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) is a fast, abnormal heart rhythm that originates from the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart). It can be life-threatening because it prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively. If left untreated, VT can lead to ventricular fibrillation (VF), which can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Causes of VT
Several medical conditions can lead to VT, including:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): Narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the heart.
- Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle leading to structural changes.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Abnormal levels of potassium or magnesium can trigger VT.
- Previous heart attacks (Myocardial infarctions): Scar tissue from past heart damage can create electrical instability.
- Congenital heart diseases: Inherited genetic mutations that affect heart rhythm.
Symptoms of VT
- Palpitations (rapid heartbeats)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): The primary tool for identifying VT.
- Holter monitor: A wearable ECG for detecting short episodes of VT.
- Echocardiogram: Imaging to check heart structure and function.
- Electrophysiology Study (EPS): A procedure to pinpoint the electrical origin of the abnormal rhythm.
Treatment Options
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Medications:
- Antiarrhythmic drugs like amiodarone or beta-blockers may help control VT.
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Cardioversion:
- If VT is causing severe symptoms, an electric shock may restore a normal rhythm.
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Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD):
- For high-risk patients, an ICD monitors the heart and delivers shocks to correct life-threatening arrhythmias.
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Catheter Ablation:
- A minimally invasive procedure that destroys the abnormal heart tissue causing VT.
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Lifestyle & Risk Management:
- Managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive caffeine/alcohol, and controlling underlying conditions like diabetes.
Key Takeaways
- VT is a potentially serious condition requiring medical attention.
- Diagnosing VT involves ECG and other heart monitoring techniques.
- Treatment ranges from medications to advanced interventions like ICD implantation.
When to Seek Emergency Help
- If you experience fainting or severe chest pain with a rapid heartbeat, seek immediate medical attention as it may indicate VF or cardiac arrest.
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.0000000000000550
2. 2023 ESC Guidelines on Management of Ventricular Arrhythmias and 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-abstract/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!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.