BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuVentricular tachycardiaWide-complex tachycardia; V tach; Tachycardia - ventricularVentricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid heartbeat that starts in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). Causes VT is a pulse rate of more than 100 beats per minute, with at least 3 abnormal rapid heartbeats in a row.The condition can develop as an early or late complication of a heart attack. It may also occur in people with:Heart attackMost heart attacks are caused by a blood clot that blocks one of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries bring blood and oxygen to the heart. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cardiomyopathy CardiomyopathyCardiomyopathy is disease in which the heart muscle becomes weakened, stretched, or has another structural problem. It often contributes to the hear...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart failure Heart surgery Myocarditis MyocarditisMyocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. The condition is called pediatric myocarditis when it occurs in children.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Valvular heart disease VT can occur without heart disease.Scar tissue may form in the muscle of the ventricles days, months, or years after a heart attack. This can lead to ventricular tachycardia.VT can also be caused by:Anti-arrhythmic drugs (used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm) Changes in blood chemistry (such as a low potassium level) Changes in pH (acid-base) Lack of enough oxygen "Torsade de pointes" is a specific form of VT. It is often due to congenital heart disease or the use of certain medicines.Congenital heart diseaseCongenital heart disease (CHD) is a problem with the heart's structure and function that is present at birth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms You may have symptoms if the heart rate during a VT episode is very fast or lasts longer than a few seconds. Symptoms may include:Chest discomfort (angina) Chest discomfortChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AnginaAngina is a type of chest discomfort or pain due to poor blood flow through the blood vessels (coronary vessels) of the heart muscle (myocardium). T...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Fainting (syncope) FaintingFainting is a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode most often lasts less than a couple of minutes and y...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Lightheadedness or dizziness DizzinessDizziness is a term that is often used to describe 2 different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo. Lightheadedness is a feeling that you might fai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations) PalpitationsPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shortness of breathShortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms may start and stop suddenly. In some cases, there are no symptoms. Exams and Tests The health care provider will look for:Absent pulse Loss of consciousness Normal or low blood pressure Rapid pulseRapid pulseA bounding pulse is a strong throbbing felt over one of the arteries in the body. It is due to a forceful heartbeat.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests that may be used to detect ventricular tachycardia include:Electrocardiogram (ECG) Electrocardiogram (ECG)An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Holter monitor Holter monitorA Holter monitor is a machine that continuously records the heart's rhythms. The monitor is worn for 24 to 48 hours during normal activity.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Intracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS) Electrophysiology studyIntracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS) is a test to look at how well the heart's electrical signals are working. It is used to evaluate abnormal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rhythm monitoring with a loop recorder or device You may also have blood chemistries and other tests. Blood chemistriesA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment depends on the symptoms, and the type of heart disorder.If someone with VT is in distress, they may require:CPR CPRCPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency life-saving procedure that is done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stoppe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Cardioversion (electric shock) Medicines (such as lidocaine, procainamide, sotalol, or amiodarone) given through a vein After an episode of VT, steps are taken to prevent further episodes.Medicines taken by mouth may be needed for long-term treatment. However, these drugs may have severe side effects. They are being used less often as other treatments are developed. A procedure to destroy the heart tissue that is causing the abnormal heartbeat (called ablation) may be done. AblationCardiac ablation is a procedure that is used to scar small areas in your heart that may be involved in your heart rhythm problems. This can prevent ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended. It is an implanted device that detects any life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. This abnormal heartbeat is called an arrhythmia. If it occurs, the ICD quickly sends an electrical shock to the heart to change the rhythm back to normal. This is called defibrillation. Implantable cardioverter defibrillatorAn implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that detects a life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. This abnormal heartbeat is called an a...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome depends on the heart condition and symptoms. Possible Complications Ventricular tachycardia may not cause symptoms in some people. However, it can be deadly. It is a major cause of sudden cardiac death. When to Contact a Medical Professional Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a rapid, irregular pulse, faint, or have chest pain. All of these may be signs of ventricular tachycardia.Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention In some cases, the disorder cannot be prevented. In other cases, it can be prevented by treating heart problems and avoiding certain medicines.Open ReferencesReferencesAl-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, et al. 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on clinical practice guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society [published correction appears in J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;72(14):1760]. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;72(14):1677-1749. PMID: 29097294 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29097294/.Epstein EF, DiMarco JP, Ellenbogen KA, Estes NA 3rd, et al. 2012 ACCF/AHA/HRS focused update incorporated into the ACCF/AHA/HRS 2008 guidelines for device-based therapy of cardiac rhythm abnormalities: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013;661(3):e6-75. PMID: 23265327 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23265327/.Garan H. Ventricular arrhythmias. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 59.Stevenson WG, Keppenfeld K. Ventricular Arrhythmias. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 67.AllVideoImagesTogVentricular fibrillation and tachycardiaAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersVentricular fibrillation and tachycardia - Animation Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles and produces a heart rate of at least 120 beats per minute. It can be thought of as a sequence of consecutive premature ventricular beats. Sometimes, only a few such beats occur together, and then the heart returns to a normal rhythm. If the abnormal heart rhythm lasts more than 30 seconds, it is called sustained ventricular tachycardia. This condition usually occurs in people with a structural heart disorder that has damaged the ventricles. Most commonly it occurs weeks or months after myocardial infarction. It is more common among older people. However, rarely, ventricular tachycardias develop in young people who do not have a structural heart disorder. People with ventricular tachycardia almost always have palpitations. Sustained ventricular tachycardia can be dangerous because the ventricles cannot fill adequately or pump blood normally. BP tends to fall, and heart failure follows. This condition is also dangerous because it can worsen until it becomes ventricular fibrillation, a form of cardiac arrest. Sometimes, ventricular tachycardia causes few symptoms, even at rates of up to 200 beats per minute, but it may still be extremely dangerous. ECG is used to diagnose ventricular tachycardias and to help determine whether treatment is required. A portable ECG or Holter monitor may be used to record heart rhythm over a 24-hour period.Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator - illustration An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device designed to quickly detect a life-threatening, rapid heartbeat coming from the bottom chamber of the heart. It converts the abnormal rhythm back to normal by delivering an electrical shock to the heart.Implantable cardioverter-defibrillatorillustrationImplantable cardiac defibrillator - illustration An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that detects any life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. If such a heartbeat, called an arrhythmia, occurs, the ICD quickly sends an electrical shock to the heart to change the rhythm back to normal.Implantable cardiac defibrillatorillustrationVentricular fibrillation and tachycardiaAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersVentricular fibrillation and tachycardia - Animation Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles and produces a heart rate of at least 120 beats per minute. It can be thought of as a sequence of consecutive premature ventricular beats. Sometimes, only a few such beats occur together, and then the heart returns to a normal rhythm. If the abnormal heart rhythm lasts more than 30 seconds, it is called sustained ventricular tachycardia. This condition usually occurs in people with a structural heart disorder that has damaged the ventricles. Most commonly it occurs weeks or months after myocardial infarction. It is more common among older people. However, rarely, ventricular tachycardias develop in young people who do not have a structural heart disorder. People with ventricular tachycardia almost always have palpitations. Sustained ventricular tachycardia can be dangerous because the ventricles cannot fill adequately or pump blood normally. BP tends to fall, and heart failure follows. This condition is also dangerous because it can worsen until it becomes ventricular fibrillation, a form of cardiac arrest. Sometimes, ventricular tachycardia causes few symptoms, even at rates of up to 200 beats per minute, but it may still be extremely dangerous. ECG is used to diagnose ventricular tachycardias and to help determine whether treatment is required. A portable ECG or Holter monitor may be used to record heart rhythm over a 24-hour period.Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator - illustration An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device designed to quickly detect a life-threatening, rapid heartbeat coming from the bottom chamber of the heart. It converts the abnormal rhythm back to normal by delivering an electrical shock to the heart.Implantable cardioverter-defibrillatorillustrationImplantable cardiac defibrillator - illustration An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that detects any life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. If such a heartbeat, called an arrhythmia, occurs, the ICD quickly sends an electrical shock to the heart to change the rhythm back to normal.Implantable cardiac defibrillatorillustrationRelated Information Heart palpitations(Symptoms)Heart attack(Condition)Cardiomyopathy(Condition)Mitral valve prolapse(Condition)Myocarditis(Condition)Comprehensive metabolic panel(Medical Test)Stimulus(Special Topic)Cardiac ablation procedures (Surgery)Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator(Surgery)Implantable cardioverter defibrillator - discharge(Discharge)Heart attack and acute coronary syndrome - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 5/8/2022 Reviewed By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. 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Ventricular tachycardiaWide-complex tachycardia; V tach; Tachycardia - ventricularVentricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid heartbeat that starts in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). Causes VT is a pulse rate of more than 100 beats per minute, with at least 3 abnormal rapid heartbeats in a row.The condition can develop as an early or late complication of a heart attack. It may also occur in people with:Heart attackMost heart attacks are caused by a blood clot that blocks one of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries bring blood and oxygen to the heart. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cardiomyopathy CardiomyopathyCardiomyopathy is disease in which the heart muscle becomes weakened, stretched, or has another structural problem. It often contributes to the hear...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heart failure Heart surgery Myocarditis MyocarditisMyocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. The condition is called pediatric myocarditis when it occurs in children.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Valvular heart disease VT can occur without heart disease.Scar tissue may form in the muscle of the ventricles days, months, or years after a heart attack. This can lead to ventricular tachycardia.VT can also be caused by:Anti-arrhythmic drugs (used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm) Changes in blood chemistry (such as a low potassium level) Changes in pH (acid-base) Lack of enough oxygen "Torsade de pointes" is a specific form of VT. It is often due to congenital heart disease or the use of certain medicines.Congenital heart diseaseCongenital heart disease (CHD) is a problem with the heart's structure and function that is present at birth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms You may have symptoms if the heart rate during a VT episode is very fast or lasts longer than a few seconds. Symptoms may include:Chest discomfort (angina) Chest discomfortChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AnginaAngina is a type of chest discomfort or pain due to poor blood flow through the blood vessels (coronary vessels) of the heart muscle (myocardium). T...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Fainting (syncope) FaintingFainting is a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode most often lasts less than a couple of minutes and y...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Lightheadedness or dizziness DizzinessDizziness is a term that is often used to describe 2 different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo. Lightheadedness is a feeling that you might fai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations) PalpitationsPalpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shortness of breathShortness of breathBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms may start and stop suddenly. In some cases, there are no symptoms. Exams and Tests The health care provider will look for:Absent pulse Loss of consciousness Normal or low blood pressure Rapid pulseRapid pulseA bounding pulse is a strong throbbing felt over one of the arteries in the body. It is due to a forceful heartbeat.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests that may be used to detect ventricular tachycardia include:Electrocardiogram (ECG) Electrocardiogram (ECG)An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Holter monitor Holter monitorA Holter monitor is a machine that continuously records the heart's rhythms. The monitor is worn for 24 to 48 hours during normal activity.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Intracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS) Electrophysiology studyIntracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS) is a test to look at how well the heart's electrical signals are working. It is used to evaluate abnormal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rhythm monitoring with a loop recorder or device You may also have blood chemistries and other tests. Blood chemistriesA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment depends on the symptoms, and the type of heart disorder.If someone with VT is in distress, they may require:CPR CPRCPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency life-saving procedure that is done when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stoppe...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Cardioversion (electric shock) Medicines (such as lidocaine, procainamide, sotalol, or amiodarone) given through a vein After an episode of VT, steps are taken to prevent further episodes.Medicines taken by mouth may be needed for long-term treatment. However, these drugs may have severe side effects. They are being used less often as other treatments are developed. A procedure to destroy the heart tissue that is causing the abnormal heartbeat (called ablation) may be done. AblationCardiac ablation is a procedure that is used to scar small areas in your heart that may be involved in your heart rhythm problems. This can prevent ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended. It is an implanted device that detects any life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. This abnormal heartbeat is called an arrhythmia. If it occurs, the ICD quickly sends an electrical shock to the heart to change the rhythm back to normal. This is called defibrillation. Implantable cardioverter defibrillatorAn implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that detects a life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. This abnormal heartbeat is called an a...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome depends on the heart condition and symptoms. Possible Complications Ventricular tachycardia may not cause symptoms in some people. However, it can be deadly. It is a major cause of sudden cardiac death. When to Contact a Medical Professional Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a rapid, irregular pulse, faint, or have chest pain. All of these may be signs of ventricular tachycardia.Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention In some cases, the disorder cannot be prevented. In other cases, it can be prevented by treating heart problems and avoiding certain medicines.Open ReferencesReferencesAl-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, et al. 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on clinical practice guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society [published correction appears in J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;72(14):1760]. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;72(14):1677-1749. PMID: 29097294 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29097294/.Epstein EF, DiMarco JP, Ellenbogen KA, Estes NA 3rd, et al. 2012 ACCF/AHA/HRS focused update incorporated into the ACCF/AHA/HRS 2008 guidelines for device-based therapy of cardiac rhythm abnormalities: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013;661(3):e6-75. PMID: 23265327 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23265327/.Garan H. Ventricular arrhythmias. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 59.Stevenson WG, Keppenfeld K. Ventricular Arrhythmias. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 67.