This is a serious cardiac arrhythmia in which the heart beats faster than normal (more than 100 beats/minute). It is known as ventricular tachycardia because the beat originates in the heart's lower chambers, called ventricles.
The most common cause is the lack of oxygen in myocardial cells secondary to myocardial infarctions and angina pectoris.
It is characterised by thoracic pain, palpitations, a sensation of shortness of breath and fainting episodes. It can cause sudden death.
The diagnosis is established by clinical questioning and electrocardiogram performed at the time of the episode. Other tests must be performed to assure the cause of the arrhythmia (echocardiography, electrophysiology study, coronary angiography, cardiac MRI).
In mild cases, intravenous antiarrhythmics will be used. In severe cases, treatment will consist of reversing the arrhythmia electrically (electric cardioversion).
Once the acute condition has been rectified, the underlying cause of the arrhythmia should be determined and treated.
- Peter J Zimetbaum. Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia: Clinical manifestations, evaluation, and management. UpToDate, Junio 2016
- Philip J Podrid. Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia: Diagnosis and evaluation. UpToDate, Agosto 2014
- European Heart Rhythm Association, Heart Rhythm Society, Zipes DP, et al. ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 guidelines 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 and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Develop Guidelines for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death). J Am Coll Cardiol 2006; 48:e247.
- David D. Spragg. Principios de electrofisiología. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 273e
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