Condition- Ventricular Tachycardia Flashcards
1
Q
Define ventricular tachycardia
A
Regular broad-complex tachycardia rate >120bpm
2
Q
What causes ventricular tachycardia?
A
Electrical impulses arising from a ventricular ectopic focus= abnormal excitable group of cells (anothr pacemaker site)
3
Q
List some risk factors leading to the development of VT
A
- Coronary heart disease
- Structural heart disease e.g. cardiomyopathies
- Long QT syndrome
- Electrolyte deficiencies (e.g. hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia)
- Use of stimulant drugs (e.g. caffeine, cocaine)
4
Q
List some symptoms of VT
A
- chest pain
- palpitations
- dyspnoea
- syncope
- +symptoms of cause
5
Q
List some signs of VT
A
- Respiratory distress
- Bibasal crackles
- Raised JVP
- Hypotension
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Lethargy
- Coma
Caused by Congestive cardiac failure
6
Q
What are the two different types of VT? What causes them?
A
- monomorphic VT: ECG looks reguar + same shape complexes. Caused by single focal VT/ re-entry rhythm. most commonly caused by MI
- polymorphic VT: All ECG complexes look different. Caused by multiple focal points becoming irritated e.g. in hypoxia
7
Q
What does this ECG show and why?
A
VT= very tidy
Can see AV disocciation (no distinct p waves)
Tachycardia
Broad QRS complex
8
Q
Other than ECG which other investigations might you conduct on someone with VT?
A
- Electrolytes
- Drugs and Tox screen
- Cardiac Enzymes (trops)
- TFTs
9
Q
How would you manage a pt with VT?
A
- If haemodynamically UNSTABLE:
- DC cardioversion
- Correct electrolyte imbalance
- IV Amiodarone
- If haemodynamically STABLE:
- Amiodarone, Lidocaine, Procainamide
- Correct electrolyte imbalance
- If not corrected: synchronised DC carioversion
10
Q
How are future VT episodes pevented in a patient who survives?
A
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
- Radiofrequency ablation of focal points
