Ventricular tachycardia

Question 1

define ventricular tachycardia

Answer 1

a regular broad-complex tachycardia originating from a ventricular ectopic focus. The rate is usually > 120 bpm

Question 2

risk factors for ventricular tachycardia?

Answer 2

o	Electrolyte deficiencies
 (e.g. hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia) 
o	Coronary heart disease  
o	Structural heart disease  
o	Use of stimulant drugs

Question 3

epidemiology of ventricular tachycardia?

Answer 3

• Fairly common

shockable rhythm

Question 4

presenting symptoms of ventricular tachycardia?

Answer 4

o Chest pain
o Palpitations
o Dyspnoea
o Syncope

Question 5

gold standard investigation?

Answer 5

24 hour Holter monitor

Question 6

what might an ECG show?

Answer 6

• Rate > 100 bpm
• Broad QRS complexes
• AV dissociation

Question 7

how to manage ?

Answer 7

• If the patient has adverse signs = immediate cardioversion is needed (amiodarone)
• In absence of these signs antiarrhythmics can be used
• If this fails then electrical cardioversion should be used