The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Ventricular Tachycardia

A rapid rhythm arising from the ventricles that carries a risk of sudden cardiac death.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Ventricular Tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid rhythm arising from the ventricles at more than 100 beats per minute. Episodes lasting less than 30 seconds are termed 'non-sustained,' while longer episodes are 'sustained.'

In patients with structural heart disease — particularly on scar tissue after a prior heart attack — VT poses a serious threat. It can also occur without structural heart disease (idiopathic VT).

VT causing hemodynamic compromise requires urgent electrical cardioversion. Because of the risk of degeneration into ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death, the underlying cause must be investigated and appropriate prophylactic therapy planned.

Symptoms

Palpitations and a rapid, irregular heartbeat
Dizziness and weakness
Shortness of breath
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Chest pain
Sudden cardiac arrest (in severe cases)

Risk Factors

Prior heart attack and myocardial scarring
Dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Heart failure
Ion-channel disorders (long QT, Brugada syndrome)
Electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Go to the emergency department for palpitations with fainting or near-fainting
  • New onset of rapid palpitations in someone with known heart disease
  • If an ICD delivers a shock after implantation
  • For evaluation when there is a family history of sudden cardiac death

Treatment Methods

01
Antiarrhythmic drugs in hemodynamically stable cases (amiodarone, lidocaine)
02
Emergent electrical cardioversion for unstable VT
03
Implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) — protection against sudden death
04
Catheter ablation (for recurrent episodes of VT)
05
Treatment of underlying coronary disease or heart failure

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Kardiyoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Kardiyoloji

Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain above 140/90 mmHg; early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

Coronary Artery Disease

Kardiyoloji

Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack.

Heart Failure

Kardiyoloji

Heart failure is a chronic cardiac condition characterized by shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Kardiyoloji

A heart attack is a medical emergency; because heart muscle is lost by the minute, immediate intervention saves lives.

Atrial Fibrillation

Kardiyoloji

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat and increased risk of stroke.

Heart Palpitations

Kardiyoloji

Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Heart Valve Diseases

Kardiyoloji

Valve stenosis or regurgitation increases the workload of the heart and, over time, can lead to heart failure.

Aortic Aneurysm

Kardiyoloji

Aortic aneurysms are often silent; early diagnosis allows treatment before rupture (a life-threatening tear).

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.