A disorder characterized by an electrocardiographic finding of three or more consecutive complexes of ventricular origin with a rate greater than a certain threshold (100 or 120 beats per minute are commonly used). The QRS complexes are wide and have an abnormal morphology. (CDISC)
Symptoms of Ventricular Tachycardia
The following features are indicative of Ventricular Tachycardia:
chest discomfort (angina)
fainting (syncope)
lightheadedness or dizziness
sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
shortness of breath
loss of consciousness
cardiac arrest
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Common Causes of Ventricular Tachycardia
The following are the most common causes of Ventricular Tachycardia:
cardiomyopathy
heart failure
heart surgery
myocarditis
valvular heart disease
changes in blood chemistry
Other Causes of Ventricular Tachycardia
The following are the less common causes of Ventricular Tachycardia:
changes in pH (acid-base)
lack of enough oxygen
Risk Factors for Ventricular Tachycardia
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Ventricular Tachycardia:
family history
heart disease such as prior heart attack, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, inflammatory diseases of the heart or genetic conditions
use of recreational drugs
medication side effects
severe electrolyte abnormalities
Prevention of Ventricular Tachycardia
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Ventricular Tachycardia. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
exercise and eat a healthy diet
maintain a healthy weight
keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control
stop smoking
drink in moderation
don't use recreational drugs
use over-the-counter medications with caution
limit caffeine
control stress
go to scheduled checkups
Occurrence of Ventricular Tachycardia
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Ventricular Tachycardia cases seen each year worldwide:
Rare between 10K - 50K cases
Common Age Group
Ventricular Tachycardia can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Ventricular Tachycardia can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Ventricular Tachycardia
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Ventricular Tachycardia:
Electrocardiogram: To detect the electrical activity of heart
Holter monitor: To record heart's activity
Event monitor: To check the heart rhythm at the time of symptoms
Echocardiogram: To produce images of heart's size
structure and motion
Implantable loop recorder: To detect the abnormal heart rhythms
Doctor for Diagnosis of Ventricular Tachycardia
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Ventricular Tachycardia:
Cardiologist
Complications of Ventricular Tachycardia if untreated
Yes, Ventricular Tachycardia causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Ventricular Tachycardia is left untreated:
inability of the heart to pump enough blood (heart failure)
frequent fainting spells or unconsciousness
sudden death caused by cardiac arrest
Procedures for Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia
The following procedures are used to treat Ventricular Tachycardia:
Surgery: Open-heart surgery to treat ventricular tachycardia
Self-care for Ventricular Tachycardia
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Ventricular Tachycardia:
Eat heart-healthy foods: Intake low low-fat diet such rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may reduce the heart disease risk
Exercise regularly: To reduce the risk of heart disease
Quit smoking: Smoke increase heart problem
Keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control: To prevent heart disease
Limit caffeine: High caffeine consumption can increase the risk of heart disease
Last updated date
This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Ventricular Tachycardia.
