Welcome to our Ventricular Tachycardia reference page. This page provides a summary definition followed by introductions to our practice drills, quizzes, lessons and interactive guides.
Definition of Ventricular Tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by a pulse rate of more than 100 beats per minute, with at least three irregular heartbeats in a row.
The electrical signals causing this rapid beating originate in the ventricles.
This is a very serious arrhythmia as it may lead to life threatening conditions such as ventricular fibrillation, asystole and sudden death.
Types of Ventricular Tachycardia
- Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia
- Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
- Torsades de pointe
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Chest discomfort (angina)
- Fainting (syncope)
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
Ventricular Tachycardia EKG Strip
The following table summarizes the key features of an supraventricular tachycardia EKG rhythm strip.
| Rhythm | Regular |
| Rate | Fast (100-250 bpm) |
| P Wave | Absent |
| PR Interval | Not measurable |
| QRS | Wide (>0.10 sec), bizarre appearance |
| Notes | |