عربي

Ventricular Tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an abnormal heart rhythm in which the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) beat very quickly and out of sync with the upper chambers (atria), which can lead to decreased blood flow to the body and potentially life-threatening consequences.

During VT, the ventricles contract at a fast rate (normally above 150 beats per minute). This can cause symptoms such as

heartbeat1

Palpitations

headache1

lightheadedness

chest 1

fainting

difficulty breathing1

Shortness of
breath

In some cases, VT can progress to ventricular fibrillation, which is a chaotic and uncoordinated rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac arrest and death.
During VT, the ventricles contract at a fast rate (normally above 150 beats per minute). This can cause symptoms such as palpitations, lightheadedness, fainting, and shortness of breath. In some cases, VT can progress to ventricular fibrillation, which is a chaotic and uncoordinated rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac arrest and death.
Ventricular tachycardia can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, such as heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, drug toxicity, or genetic abnormalities. Some forms of VT occur in patients with normal heart and these are normally not life threatening if treated appropriately.
Fig 24 VT Converted 1

VT is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia that requires immediate medical attention. The treatment of VT depends on the severity and the cause of the arrhythmia.

Fig 21 defib

Emergency Treatment

If VT is causing severe symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness, emergency treatment is necessary. This may include electrical cardioversion, which is a procedure that uses an electrical shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm.

Fig 50 drugs

Medications

Certain medications can be used to manage VT, especially if the episodes are less severe. Anti-arrhythmic drugs such as amiodarone, sotalol, flecainide or mexiletine may be used to stabilize the heart rhythm and prevent further episodes of VT. Other medications, such as beta-blockers, can help to reduce the risk of VT by slowing down the heart rate and reducing the workload on the heart.
Read More

Fig 32 ICD

Implantable Devices

In some cases, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended to reduce the risk of death in the future. An ICD is a small device that is implanted under the skin of the chest and can detect abnormal heart rhythms. If VT is detected, the ICD can deliver an electrical shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm.
Read More

Fig 103

Catheter Ablation

This is a procedure that is used to treat VT by destroying the area of the heart that is causing the arrhythmia. During catheter ablation, a thin, flexible tube is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. Radiofrequency energy is then used to destroy the area of the heart that is causing the arrhythmia.
Read More

The specific treatment plan for VT will depend on the individual’s medical history, the severity of the arrhythmia, and other factors. It is important to work with your electrophysiologist to determine the best treatment approach for an individual case of VT.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT