Ventricular tachycardia:Overview, Causes

Definition

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid heartbeat that starts in the ventricles

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Ventricular tachycardia is a pulse rate of more than 100 beats per minute, with at least 3 irregular heartbeats in a row.

The condition can develop as an early or late complication of a heart attack. It may also occur in patients with:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart failure
• Heart surgery
• Myocarditis
• Valvular heart disease

Ventricular tachycardia 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.

Ventricular tachycardia can also be caused by:

• Anti-arrhythmic medications
• Changes in blood chemistry (such as a low potassium level)
• Changes in pH (acid-base)
• Lack of enough oxygen

“Torsade de pointes” is a form of ventricular tachycardia that is often due to congenital heart disease or the use of certain medications.

• Ventricular tachycardia:Overview, Causes

• Ventricular tachycardia: Symptoms & Signs Diagnosis & Tests

• Ventricular tachycardia:Treatment

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  Review Date : 6/7/2008
  Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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