What is Ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
Ventricular cardiac arrhythmia (VT or V-tach) could be a sort of abnormal regular recurrence, or heart condition. It happens once the lower chamber of the guts beats too quickly and therefore the body does not receive enough ventilated blood.
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A normal heartbeat begins with an associated electrical impulse from the sinus node, a little space within the heart's atrium (right higher chamber). bodily cavity cardiac arrhythmia begins within the lower chambers (ventricles) and is sort of quick. Once it lasts solely a couple of seconds, bodily cavity cardiac arrhythmia could cause no issues. However, once sustained, bodily cavity cardiac arrhythmia will lower the vital sign, leading to syncope (fainting) or lightheadedness. bodily cavity cardiac arrhythmia also can cause cardiac arrhythmia (a severe arrhythmia) and pathology.
medical terms
Ventricular cardiac arrhythmia could be a cardiac rhythm downside (arrhythmia) caused by irregular electrical signals within the lower chambers of the center (ventricles). This condition can also be referred to as V-tach or Vermont.
A healthy heart usually beats about sixty to one hundred times a second at rest. In chamber cardiac arrhythmia, the center beats quicker, sometimes one hundred or additional beats a second.
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a condition in which the heart beats too fast often faster than 150 beats per minute When this happens the top chambers of the heart (ventricles) beat abnormally quickly and don't fill with enough blood This can cause you to feel dizzy faint or even have a heart attack if it goes on for too long It's important that you seek help from your physician as soon as possible if you suspect that you or someone else has severe ventricular tachycardia
(V-tach) Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach) is an abnormal heart rhythm that occurs when the lower chambers of the heart beat rapidly and chaotically. When it originates in the ventricles it's called "ventricular tachycardia." The ventricles are located in the lower part of the heart between the atria and the lungs A healthy human heart has a resting rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute If you have V-tach your ventricles can beat as fast as 240 to 300 times per minute or even more
Ventricular arrhythmias will occur in each structurally traditional and structurally abnormal heart. What we have a tendency to mean by this is often that there are some patients out there UN agencies that don't have any different underlying heart condition except some abnormality in their electrical system of the lowest chambers of their heart, or the ventricles, which will cause the center to travel out of rhythm. These will seem as occasional further beats that one may experience as skipped beats, or as a fast array of beats that area units occurring dead a row, termed cavum cardiac arrhythmia. In rare cases, if the center is structurally traditional, this could truly end in a dangerous rhythm, although once more that is comparatively rare if there is not another underlying heart condition which may be contributory.
Now, in some patients, however, they'll have AN abnormal heart for different reasons. There are a number of reasons that the center will become structurally abnormal, like if you've had a heart failure within the past, if you've got some form of genetic defect that you simply may need to inherit from your mother or your father. you would possibly have some inflammatory disorder of your heart, like pathology or myocardial inflammation. All of those totally different syndromes will contribute to electrical abnormalities within the bottom chamber of the center further, however generally, once individuals have what we have a tendency to decide substrate, or abnormalities of the conventional heart design, this could result in cavum arrhythmias. And in these patients, these cavum arrhythmias will doubtless be grave.
When we inspect these arrhythmias happening, however, we've to require a scientific approach to their analysis and to their treatment. Thus, what do I mean by this? after we remark analysis, we're trying to envision, Is there another excuse they happened? Was there a medicine you were placed on, was there some abnormality in your electrolytes, or what you were taking for different reasons, like over-the counter seasoner remedies, which may have contributed to why you would possibly have those arrhythmias, and if truth be told they may depart if we have a tendency to do nothing else?
We're conjointly making an attempt to work out however important the cardiopathy is. Is it one thing that's grave, or is not, as a result of not all of them being a unit. Then after we remark on the treatment, we're trying very hard in 2 massive areas. In those patients UN agency do not have dangerous cavum arrhythmias, we're trying to treat to enhance quality of life, or symptoms, as a result of some patients will have a spread of symptoms as a result of these arrhythmias, together with feelings of skipped beats or fast heart beats, or maybe lightheadedness. however some may simply feel tired.
But then, the opposite cluster we have a tendency to worry about is that the ones in whom these arrhythmias will doubtless be mortal. In other words, they'll result in overtime. In those patients, we have a tendency to wish to risk stratification to work out areas that are dangerous, and the way we will shield those patients from dying suddenly.
The mainstay of treatments you would possibly see if you log on are some things referred to as an electronic device. you would possibly have seen this on commercials or on TV shows wherever individuals are in a unit running concerning these pads, drop them on a patient, then offer an electrical shock. This is often what an electronic device will do for those patients UN agencies have a lot of risky cavum arrhythmias. It sits in your body all the time, then essentially provides a jolt of electricity if your heart goes out of rhythm so as to revive it to traditional rhythm. however the electronic device does not stop the arrhythmias from happening, it simply is there to save lots of your life just in case they are doing.
In order to stop the arrhythmias from truly happening, there are unit 2 mainstays of medical care. If we have a tendency to not notice another reversible cause, we are able to either offer you with medications, and there is a unit spread of medicines we are able to use. These medications are unit termed anti-arrhythmic medication, and have a tendency to achieve success in as several as five hundredth to hr of patients. However, they'll have side effects, and in some patients they'll truly cause a lot of arrhythmias, and generally dangerous arrhythmias that might result in overtime, as well. As long as patients are properly monitored and also the initiation of the medication is correctly done, however, the chance of this is often terribly low.
Thank you for connecting ME nowadays to find out a lot concerning cavum cardiac arrhythmia. Within the next video, I'll go into a lot of detail in what AN ablation procedure involves.
Types Heart arrhythmia
In fashion, heart arrhythmias are grouped by way of the speed of the heart charge. For instance:
Tachycardia is a quick coronary heart. The resting heart charge is extra than 100 beats a minute.
Bradycardia is a gradual heartbeat. The resting heart fee is much less than 60 beats a minute.
Types of tachycardias encompass:
Symptoms Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
When the heart beats too fast, it may not pump enough blood to the rest of the body. So the organs and tissues may not get enough oxygen. Signs and symptoms that occur during an episode of ventricular tachycardia are due to a lack of oxygen and may include:
Chest pain (angina)
Dizziness
Pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
Lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Ventricular tachycardia may go away on its own within 30 seconds (nonsustained V-tach) or last more than 30 seconds (sustained V-tach or VT). Brief episodes may not cause any symptoms. But sustained VT can cause serious problems, including:
Fainting
Loss of consciousness
Cardiac arrest (sudden death)
When to see a doctor
Many different things will cause bodily cavity cardiac arrhythmia. It is vital to induce a prompt, correct diagnosis and acceptable care. See your health care supplier if you or your kid has any issues with the heartbeat. In some cases, pressing or emergency care is required.
Call 911 or your native emergency variety if anyone has these symptoms:
Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes
Difficulty breathing
Fainting
Causes Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
Ventricular arrhythmia is caused by faulty heart sign that triggers a quick pulse within the lower heart chambers (ventricles). The quick pulse does not enable the ventricles to fill and squeeze (contract) to pump enough blood to the body.
Many things will cause or contribute to issues with heart sign and result in cavity arrhythmia. These include:
Prior heart attack or other heart condition that caused scarring of heart tissue (structural heart disease)
Poor blood flow to the heart muscle due to coronary artery disease
Congenital heart diseases, including long QT syndrome
Imbalance of substances in the blood called electrolytes — such as potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium
Medication side effects
Use of stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine
Sometimes, the exact cause of ventricular tachycardia can't be determined (idiopathic ventricular tachycardia).
How does the heart beat?
To better perceive the reason for cavity arrhythmia, it's going to be useful to grasp however the center usually works.
The heart is formed of 4 chambers — 2 higher chambers (atria) and 2 lower chambers (ventricles).
The heart's rhythm is controlled by a natural pacemaker (the sinus node) within the right higher chamber (atrium). The sinus node sends electrical signals that usually begin every heartbeat. These electrical signals move across the atria, inflicting the center muscles to squeeze (contract) and pump blood into the ventricles.
Next, the signals attain a cluster of cells referred to as the Jewish calendar month node, wherever they hamper. This slight delay permits the ventricles to fill with blood. Once the electrical signals reach the ventricles, the chambers contract and pump blood to the lungs or to the remainder of the body.
In a typical heart, this heart sign method typically goes swimmingly, leading to a resting rate of sixty to one hundred beats a second.
In cavity arrhythmia, faulty electrical sign within the heart's lower chambers causes the center rate to extend to one hundred or a lot of beats a second.
Risk factors Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
Any condition that puts a strain on the center or damages heart tissue will increase the danger of bodily cavity arrhythmia. fashion changes or correct medical treatment for the subsequent conditions and events could lower the risk:
Heart disease
Medication side effects
Severe electrolyte imbalances
Use of stimulant drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine
A family history of tachycardia or other heart rhythm disorders makes a person more likely to develop ventricular tachycardia.
Complications Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
Complications of ventricular tachycardia depend on:
How fast the heart is beating
How long the rapid heart rate lasts
Whether there are other heart conditions
Possible complications of ventricular tachycardia include:
Frequent fainting spells or unconsciousness
Heart failure
Sudden death caused by cardiac arrest
Ventricular fibrillation
A dangerous condition associated with chamber arrhythmia is fibrillation (V-fib). In V-fib, the lower heart chambers consent in a really speedy and uncoordinated manner.
This irregular rhythm happens most frequently in folks with cardiomyopathy or a previous coronary failure. it's going to additionally occur in those with solution imbalances (such as high or low K levels).
Ventricular fibrillation might cause fast pathology and cause death if not treated straight off.
Prevention Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
The best ways to stop cardiac arrhythmia are to take care of a healthy heart and forestall cardiomyopathy. If you have already got cardiomyopathy, monitor it and follow your treatment arrangement. make certain you perceive your treatment arrange, and take all medications as prescribed.
Take the subsequent steps to stay the center healthy:
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet. A diet low in saturated and trans fats and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps keep the heart healthy.
Exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight will increase the chance of developing cardiomyopathy. As a general goal, aim for a minimum of half-hour of moderate exercise on a daily basis.
Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Make modus vivendi changes and take medications as prescribed to manage high force per unit area (hypertension) or high steroid alcohol.
Control stress. Avoid unnecessary stress and learn strategies to manage and reduce stress.
Don't use illegal drugs. Don't use stimulants, such as cocaine. If you need help stopping drug use or misuse, talk to your health care provider about an appropriate program for you.
Go to scheduled health checkups. Have regular physical exams and report any new signs or symptoms to your health care provider.
Limit alcohol. If you select to drink alcohol, do this carefully. For healthy adults, meaning up to at least one drink every day for ladies and up to 2 drinks every day for men. Some individuals may have to avoid alcohol entirely. raise your health care supplier what quantity alcohol, if any, is safe for you.
Limit caffeine. If you drink caffeinated beverages, do so in moderation (no more than 1 to 2 beverages daily).
Stop smoking. If you smoke and can't quit on your own, talk to your health care provider about strategies or programs to help you break a smoking habit.
Use over-the-counter medications with caution. Some cold and cough medications contain stimulants that will increase the guts rate. perpetually tell your health care supplier concerning the medications you're taking, as well as those bought while not a prescription.
What is the first line treatment for ventricular tachycardia?
The first line treatment for ventricular tachycardia is an intravenous injection of lidocaine (a local anesthetic) followed by insertion of a temporary transvenous pacemaker The results of your studies show that the first-line treatment for ventricular tachycardia should be lidocaine not amiodarone (an antiarrhythmic agent) Since it is easier to administer less expensive and has fewer side effects than amiodarone we will recommend using lidocaine instead.
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a dangerous heart condition that occurs when the heart beats too quickly When the rhythm is more than 120 beats per minute it’s referred to as ventricular tachycardia Other terms used to describe VT include: rapid ventricular rhythm PVCs and extrasystoles The primary treatment for ventricular tachycardia is cardiac ablation which uses radiofrequency energy to slow and/or stop VT by destroying tissue in the heart that’s causing these abnormal electrical signals Ablation isn’t an option for everyone with this condition and.
Can you live a normal life with ventricular tachycardia?
If you have ventricular tachycardia you should take precautions to avoid the situations that may trigger this condition and be aware of how it might affect your life If you experience symptoms such as light-headedness or heart palpitations see a doctor right away In addition if your ventricular tachycardia is not well controlled by medications perform regular exercise and maintain a healthy diet to manage chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes Also seek stress management help and try relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises to control anxiety attacks Finally pay attention to any warning signs that indicate when medication adjustments are.
Does a pacemaker help ventricular tachycardia?
The heart is a muscle that contracts and relaxes to push blood throughout the body The electrical activity of the heart controls this contraction When there is too much electricity ventricular tachycardia can result It can lead to death unless treated quickly A pacemaker treats ventricular tachycardia by regulating the heartbeat.
Do beta blockers prevent ventricular tachycardia?
Beta blockers are drugs used to treat patients who have suffered a heart attack as well as people with high blood pressure and chest pain They do not prevent ventricular tachycardia In fact they can even make it worse so it is important that the doctor be notified of any side effects immediately.
Does metoprolol prevent ventricular tachycardia?
Metoprolol belongs to a group of medications called beta-blockers It is used to treat high blood pressure certain types of irregular heartbeats and certain rhythm problems in the atria (top chambers) of your heart Cylert (pemoline) prevents the body from breaking down several important chemicals that include dopamine and norepinephrine These particular chemical messengers are essential in controlling body temperature blood pressure and other vital functions within the human body.
Diagnosis Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
To diagnose VT, recording of the center rhythm is required. you'll want AN EKG (ECG). This check records your vital sign and rhythm. Your supplier might want to closely watch your heart’s activity for an extended time employing a Holter monitor or event recorder. VT is also diagnosed within the hospital with continuous heart watching known as measure. it's going to even be seen and diagnosed throughout an assay. Some smartphones in conjunction with a hand-held recording device may additionally be accustomed to record VT once you are having symptoms.
In some cases, your supplier might imagine you've got VT, however hasn’t been able to document it. Implantable loop recorders might then be accustomed to record the center rhythm for up to three years. These squares measure tiny electronic recording devices that measure the scale of a little finger. They are injected into the skin adjacent to the center.
A thorough physical communication, anamnesis and testing square measure needed to diagnose cavity cardiac arrhythmia.
To diagnose cavity cardiac arrhythmia, the health care supplier can typically do a physical communication and raise questions about your symptoms, habits and anamnesis. Sometimes, cavity cardiac arrhythmia may be a medical emergency that needs imperative identification and treatment.
Tests
If you have got signs or symptoms of arrhythmia, tests are done to gauge the guts and facilitate the identification. Tests may also facilitate verifying if another ill health is contributory to cavity arrhythmia.
An EKG is that the commonest tool wont to diagnose cardiac arrhythmia. This painless check detects and records the heart's electrical activity mistreatment of little sensors (electrodes) hooked up to the chest and arms.
A cardiogram records the temporal arrangement and strength of electrical signals as they travel through the center. A health care supplier will seek patterns among the signals to see the sort of cardiac arrhythmia and the way issues within the heart could also be inflicting a quick pulse.
Your health care supplier may additionally raise you to use a conveyable cardiogram device reception to get a lot of data concerning your pulse. These devices include:
Holter monitor. This transportable ECG device is worn daily or a lot to record the heart's activity throughout daily activities. it should be counseled if a conventional ECG does not provide your care supplier enough info regarding your heart's condition. Some personal devices, like smartwatches, provide transportable ECG observation. raise your health care supplier if this is often AN choice for you.
Event monitor. This transportable electrocardiogram device is meant to be worn for up to thirty days or till you have got associated irregular regular recurrence (arrhythmia) or symptoms. you usually press a button once symptoms occur. However, some monitors mechanically sense arrhythmias and so begin recording.
Implantable loop recorder. This implantable device has no wires and can sit underneath the skin for up to three years to continuously monitor the heart rhythm.
Heart (cardiac) imaging
If you've got associate degree irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), your health care supplier might advocate internal organ imaging tests to gauge the structure of your heart. internal organ imaging tests wont to diagnose bodily cavity cardiac arrhythmia include:
Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray can show the condition of the heart and lungs. A chest X-ray can help diagnose an enlarged heart.
Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses soundwaves to create a picture of the heart in motion. It can identify areas of poor blood flow and heart valve problems.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A cardiac MRI provides still or moving pictures of how blood flows through the heart.
Computerized tomography (CT). A heart (cardiac) CT scan combines several X-ray images to provide a more detailed cross-sectional view of the heart.
Coronary angiogram. A coronary angiogram is done to check for blockages in the heart's arteries. It uses a contrast dye and special X-rays to show the inside of the coronary arteries.
Cardiac MRI animation
Watch how a heart (cardiac) MRI is used to view the heart.
Stress test
Some varieties of cardiac arrhythmia square measure triggered or worsened by exercise. Throughout an assay, the heart's activity is usually monitored whereas you are riding on a stationary bicycle or walking on a treadmill. An alternative heart test is also finished. If you've got a problem, a drug is also given to stimulate the guts in a way that is like exercise.
Electrophysiological (EP) test and cardiac mapping
This test, additionally known as associate EP study, is also done to substantiate a designation of bodily cavity cardiac arrhythmia and to work out the precise location of the irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
During associate EP study, a health care supplier inserts skinny, versatile tubes (catheters) tipped with sensors (electrodes) into a vas, typically within the groin, and guides them to varied areas within the heart. Once in situ, the electrodes will exactly map the unfold of electrical signals throughout every heartbeat.
Tilt table test
A tilt table check is also done to be higher perceived however cardiac arrhythmia contributes to fainting. pulse and area units} are monitored whereas lying flat on a table. Then, beneath careful oversight, the table is leaning to a footing that mimics standing. The health care supplier watches however the guts and also the systema nervosum that controls it answer the changes in position.
Treatment Ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
The goal of treatment is to correct the center rhythm forthwith and to forestall future episodes. In associate emergency, treatment for cavity arrhythmia could embody arrhythmia that lasts longer than thirty seconds (sustained VT) typically needs pressing medical treatment, as this condition could generally result in sharp internal organ death.The goals of cavity arrhythmia treatment square measure to slow a speedy heartbeat once it happens and to forestall future episodes of a quick pulse rate. Treatment could embody medications or procedures to regulate or reset the center rhythm.If another medical condition is inflicting arrhythmia, treating the underlying downside would scale back or forestall episodes of a quick heartbeat.
Medications
If you have got chamber cardiac arrhythmia, you will learn medications referred to as antiarrhythmics orally or IV to slow the quick pulse rate. alternative heart medications, like Ca channel blockers and beta blockers, could also be prescribed with anti-arrhythmic medication.
Cardioversion
This process is usually used once emergency care is required for a speedy pulse rate, like that seen with sustained cavity arrhythmia. Cardioversion sends electrical shocks to the center through sensors (electrodes) placed on the chest. The shock affects the heart's electrical signals and restores a daily heartbeat. It is also attainable to try to do cardioversion with medications.
A shock may be delivered to the center using an automatic external electronic device (AED).
Surgery or other procedures
A catheter procedure or heart surgery may be needed to help prevent or manage episodes of ventricular tachycardia.
Catheter ablation. In this procedure, a health care supplier threads one or a lot of skinny, versatile tubes (catheters) through the Associate in Nursing artery, typically within the groin, and guides them to the guts. Sensors (electrodes) on the tip of the tubing use heat or cold energy to make little scars within the heart to dam irregular electrical signals and restore the guts rhythm. Tubing ablation is commonly done once an additional communication pathway is answerable for the quick pulse.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Your health care supplier might suggest this device if you are at high risk of developing chamber arrhythmia or cardiac arrhythmia. associate degree ICD could be a pager-sized device deep-seated underneath the skin close to the bone. It unendingly monitors the heartbeat associate degreed delivers exactly label electrical shocks once an irregular rhythm (arrhythmia) is detected. The shocks facilitate restoring a daily cardiac rhythm.
Pacemaker. This small device is surgically implanted under the skin in the chest area. When the pacemaker detects an irregular heartbeat, it sends an electrical pulse that helps correct the heart's rhythm.
Maze procedure. In this procedure, a sawbones makes little incisions within the higher 1/2 the guts (atria) to form a pattern (or maze) of connective tissue. The heart's signals cannot experience connective tissue. that the maze will block stray electrical heart signals that cause some varieties of cardiac arrhythmia.
Open-heart surgery. Sometimes open-heart surgery may be needed to destroy an extra electrical pathway causing tachycardia. Surgery is usually done only when other treatment options don't work or when surgery is needed to treat another heart disorder.
Coping and support
If you have a plan in place to manage an episode of a fast heartbeat, you may feel calmer and more in control when one occurs. Talk to your care provider about:
How to take your pulse and what pulse rate is best for you
When to call your doctor
When to seek emergency care
Preparing for your appointment
Whether you initially see your family health care supplier or get emergency care, you will probably be noted by a doctor trained in heart conditions (cardiologist) for a whole analysis.
If potential, bring on a loved one or friend United Nations agency will offer support and assist you keep in mind any new data. as a result of there could also be tons to debate, it should be useful to organize a listing of queries before time.
Your list ought to include:
Symptoms that you've had, including any that may seem unrelated to your heart
Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
Medications that you take, including vitamins or supplements
Questions to ask your healthcare provider
List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. Basic questions include:
What is likely causing my fast heart rate?
What kinds of tests do I need?
What's the most appropriate treatment?
What risks does my heart condition create?
How will we monitor my heart?
How often will I need follow-up appointments?
How will other conditions I have or medications I take affect my heart condition?
Do I need to restrict my activities?
Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?
Don't hesitate to ask additional questions that you may have.
What to expect from your doctor
Your health care provider is likely to ask you several questions. Being ready to answer them may save time to go over any information you want to spend more time on. Your health care provider may ask:
When did you first begin having symptoms?
How often do you have episodes of a fast heartbeat?
How long do the episodes of a fast heartbeat last?
Does anything, such as exercise, stress or caffeine, seem to trigger or worsen episodes?
Does anyone in your family have heart disease or a history of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)?
Has anyone in your family had sudden cardiac death or died suddenly?
Do you smoke?
How much alcohol or caffeine do you use?
Do you use illegal drugs?
Do you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other heart or blood vessel conditions?
What medications do you take for these conditions, and do you take them as prescribed?
General summary
Ventricular tachycardia (also known as VT or V-tach) is a very fast heartbeat that is caused by an abnormal heart rhythm The condition may cause fainting but it's rarely life-threatening Treatment includes medications and catheter ablation
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a type of arrhythmia in which the heart beats with an abnormally rapid rate. It is caused by abnormal electrical signals in the ventricles, the lower chamber of the heart. Symptoms of VT can include dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, and even fainting spells. In some cases, VT can lead to cardiac arrest and sudden death.
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an abnormally fast heart rate that originates in the ventricles. It is usually defined as an episode of three or more consecutive ventricular beats at a rate of greater than 100 beats per minute. VT can cause the heart to beat inefficiently, leading to the signs and symptoms associated with it, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and syncope. Additionally, VT episodes can be associated with serious cardiac problems, such as sudden cardiac death or ventricular fibrillation.
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a condition characterized by an excessively rapid heart rate originating from the ventricles of the heart. It usually occurs due to some kind of underlying heart disease, such as myocardial infarction, and its symptoms can include chest pain, lightheadedness, and palpitations. VT can often be life threatening and can cause sudden cardiac arrest if left untreated. It is important to note that the condition can be managed through medications or an implantable device, but the underlying cause of the disease needs to be addressed.