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Ventricular tachycardia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Wide-complex tachycardia; V tach; Tachycardia - ventricular

Symptoms:

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

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

Signs and tests:

Ventricular tachycardia can occur in episodes during which the person will have a rapid pulse or the symptoms described above. The blood pressure may be normal or low. Loss of consciousness may occur. Ventricular tachycardia is a potentially lethal arrhythmia and may result in an absent pulse.

Ventricular tachycardia may be seen on:

• An ECG
• A continuous ambulatory electrocardiogram (Holter monitor)
• A loop recorder, for ambulatory ECG recordings exceeding 24 hrs
• An intracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS)

Blood chemistries and other tests may be performed.

• Review Date: 5/31/2006
• Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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