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Ventricular tachycardia is a condition in which a fast heart rhythm begins in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). The condition is also known as V-tach or VT. In order to understand ventricular tachycardia, it is essential to note the functioning of the heart. The heart rhythm is controlled by the sinus node in the upper chamber (atrium). The sinus node sends electrical signals to start each heartbeat. When the process is disrupted in the lower chambers, it increases the heart rate to 100 beats, causing ventricular tachycardia.
The common symptoms of ventricular tachycardia include:
Symptoms may go away on their own within 30 seconds. However, if it lasts more than 30 seconds, it can drop blood pressure, which may be fatal.
Ventricular tachycardia occurs when there is an abnormal heart rhythm in the ventricles. A normal heartbeat is about 60 to 100 times in a minute. However, in ventricular tachycardia, the heartbeat usually goes up to 100 or more in a minute. That said, the exact cause of the condition is known at the moment, though some heart conditions may cause it, including:
The doctor will perform a couple of tests to diagnose ventricular tachycardia. The doctor may first perform a physical examination by listening to the rhythm of the heart with a stethoscope and checking the patient blood pressure. Apart from this, the doctor may also use different tests to confirm the presence of ventricular tachycardia, including:
Chest X-ray: It allows the doctor to check the size and shape of the heart and blood vessels.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): It is performed to check the speed and rhythm of the heart using electric current.
Echocardiogram: It is performed to check for the damaged part of the heart. The specialist uses sound waves to capture an image of the heart, and the Ejection fraction (EF) is recorded.
Cardiac MRI: The test uses radio waves and strong magnets to produce a cross-sectional image of the heart.
Electrophysiology (EP) study: The test is done to check the precise location of abnormal heartbeats.
Coronary angiography: The test is done to check for the blockage of the heart. The test uses contrast dye and X-rays to show the arteries, which helps the doctor examine the condition in detail.Ventricular tachycardia that lasts for more than 30 seconds often requires emergency medical treatment as it may lead to sudden cardiac arrest. The primary goal of the treatment for ventricular tachycardia is to slow down the heart rate and prevent it from happening in the future. Depending on the condition, the doctor may suggest the following treatments for ventricular tachycardia:
This is an emergency care treatment in which the doctor gives an electric shock to control the rapid heartbeat. The electrical shock affects the heart's electrical signals and restores its normal function.
Doctors will provide anti-arrhythmic drugs or IVs to slow the rapid heart rate. The doctor may also prescribe beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers to treat ventricular tachycardia.
In this, the doctor inserts a stunt into the blocked artery to maintain blood flow. During the coronary angioplasty procedure, the doctor inserts a catheter with a tiny balloon at the tip into the artery and guides it to the blocked or narrowed blood vessel. The doctor then inflates the balloon and adds a mesh-like tube into the artery, known as a stunt.
It is a portable device that monitors the heart rhythm. The surgeon places the ICD near the left collarbone and connects the wires through the veins to the heart. The device monitors the electrical signals. If it detects a rhythm change, it sends low or high-energy shocks to reset the heart to a normal rhythm.
In this procedure, the surgeon inserts catheters through an artery and guides the heart. The catheters come with electrodes at the tip, which deliver heat to make tiny scars in the heart. The procedure helps block abnormal electrical signals and restore the usual heart rhythm.
Some of the factors also increase the risk of ventricular tachycardia, including:
There are some ways through which can prevent ventricular tachycardia, including:
Ventricular tachycardia may cause severe complications, especially the longer it lasts. These may include:
Reviewed by Dr. Yogendra Singh, Associate Director – Interventional Cardiology, Cardiology, Cardiac Sciences on 03-Nov-2022.
Max Healthcare is home to 4800+ eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Max Healthcare is home to 4800+ eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
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