Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Ventricular Tachycardia: What You Need to Know

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a type of abnormal heart rhythm that could lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.

VT happens when there is an extra electrical pathway in the ventricles of the heart that causes the electrical signal to send an abnormally fast signal to the heart muscle, causing the heart to beat too quickly and irregularly. The heart rate during VT usually ranges from 100 to 250 beats per minute, which is too fast for the heart to effectively pump blood to the rest of the body.

VT is usually caused by underlying heart disease such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, and previous heart attack. Other risk factors for VT include electrolyte imbalance, genetics, drug interactions, and smoking.

It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience the warning signs of VT, which may include: dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fainting.

A doctor may order a number of tests to diagnose VT, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram (echo), and cardiac stress tests. Treatments for VT vary and can include medications, electrical cardioversion, and ablation.

Risk Factors for Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

• Coronary artery disease

• Cardiomyopathy

• Congenital heart defects

• Previous heart attack

• Electrolye imbalance

• Genetics

• Drug interactions

• Smoking

Warning Signs of Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

• Dizziness

• Chest pain

• Palpitations

• Shortness of breath

• Fainting

Diagnosis of Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Echocardiogram (echo)

• Cardiac stress test

Treatment for Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

• Medications

• Electrical cardioversion

• Ablation