Ventricular tachycardia

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Wide-complex tachycardia; V tach; Tachycardia - ventricular

If the heart rate during a ventricular tachycardia episode is very fast or lasts longer than a few seconds. There may be symptoms such as:

• Chest discomfort (angina)
• Fainting (syncope)
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• Shortness of breath

Note: Symptoms may start and stop suddenly. In some cases, there are no symptoms.

Signs include:

• Absent pulse
• Loss of consciousness
• Normal or low blood pressure
• Rapid pulse

Ventricular tachycardia may be seen on:

• Continuous ambulatory electrocardiogram (Holter monitor)
• ECG
• Intracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS)
• Loop recorder

Blood chemistries and other tests may be done.

Review Date: 05/06/2010
Reviewed By: Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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