Ventricular tachycardia is a form of arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) in which the heart beats too quickly, usually more than 200 beats per minute, and originates in the ventricles, or the lower chambers of the heart. It is easily treated and controlled if properly diagnosed.
What Are the Symptoms of Ventricular Tachycardia?
In addition to the awareness that the heart is beating at an abnormally accelerated rate, the symptoms of ventricular tachycardia vary in severity. Some of the more common symptoms include:
Heart palpitations. Heart palpitations are defined as the feeling of the heart beating. It may feel like the heart is pounding or fluttering within the chest.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Shortness of breath. The rapid hear rate associated with tachycardia can lead to shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Angina (chest pain). Angina occurs when an insufficient amount of blood reaches the heart.
Fainting spells or feeling faint. Some people with more severe forms of ventricular tachycardia will experience fainting spells. These people should seek help immediately.
What Causes Ventricular Tachycardia?
There are a variety of causes of ventricular tachycardia, including:
Existing heart conditions. Ventricular tachycardia sometimes occurs as a result or in conjunction with other heart problems. This can include a previous heart attack, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, diseases of the valves, and congenital heart defects.
Medications. Some medications, particularly heart medications, can lead to an abnormal heartbeat, in particularly tachycardia. In addition, certain herbal supplements as well as cold and flu medicines, which contain decongestants, can also contribute to the development of ventricular tachycardia.
Drug use. Drug abuse, both prescription drugs and illegal drugs, can contribute to ventricular tachycardia as well as other forms of arrhythmia.
How Is Ventricular Tachycardia Diagnosed?
When diagnosing ventricular tachycardia, the doctor may order the following tests:
ECG. An ECG, or electrocardiograph, measures the electrical impulses of the heart. The ECG technician will place small electrodes on the legs, arms, and chest. A gel is applied to the skin to prevent shock or burning on the patient’s skin. These electrodes are connected to a machine that records the readings and then traces them onto a sheet of paper. The electrodes then measure the electrical currents produced by the heart during the heart beats and output them onto the paper. The tracings then tell the heart’s electrical activity from a variety of angles.
Holter Monitor. Also called a CAE Monitor, a Holter Monitor a small monitor that continuously records the heart’s electrical activity via electrodes that are attached to the chest. Sometimes, a full diagnosis of those with ventricular tachycardia can’t be observed in the short amount of time that an ECG takes. When that is the case, a Holter Monitor is recommended. The patient wears the monitor continuously for the next 24 hours and keeps a written record of symptoms they experience and the time, as well as activities such as sleeping or exercise.
How Is Ventricular Tachycardia Treated?
Treatment of ventricular tachycardia depends on the severity of the symptoms and whether the patient has additional heart problems.
Medication. Often, a doctor will prescribe anti-arrhythmic medication to help the heart maintain a normal rhythm.
Cardioversion. In severe cases of ventricular tachycardia, the doctor will recommend cardioversion. Cardioversion is a procedure in which a catheter with electrodes attached it threaded through the blood vessels to shock various parts of the heart into normal rhythm.