Arrhythmia - Ventricular Tachycardia

Question 1

What is VT?

Answer 1

When focus in the ventricular muscle depolarises rapidly

Usually a broad complex tachycardia coming from a ventricular ectopic focus

Question 2

What does VT show as ?

Answer 2

3 or more ventricular systoles in succession at a rate of over 120 bpm

Question 3

What is it called if it fits VT but is 60-100 bpm?

Answer 3

Idioventricular rhythm

Question 4

What 2 types of VT is there?

Answer 4

Mono and poly-morphic

Question 5

Describe monomorphic.

Answer 5

Regular rhythm from a single focus with identical QRS complexes

Is the most common

Question 6

Describe polymorphic.

Answer 6

Irregular rhythm with a beat to beat variation of QRS complex appearance

Question 7

What is a non sustained VT?

Answer 7

When tachycardia runs for less than 30 secs

Question 8

What is sustained VT? What is it associated with?

Answer 8

When is lasts longer

Associated with:

Cardiomyopathy
RV dysplasia
Myocarditis

Drugs - Class 1 anti-arrythmics

Question 9

Stable VT treatment?

Answer 9

Severe condition
Connect to cardiac monitor and have a defibrillator close to hand

If stable VT:

O2 face mask
Get a FBC
IVI amiodarone

Question 10

Polymorphic VT treatment?

Answer 10

Magnesium sulphate and if this fails - DC shock