Ventricular tachycardia Flashcards
1
Q
What is the definition of ventricular tachycardia?
A
A tachycardia with 3 or more consecutive beats that originate from the ventricles, independent of atrial or AV nodal conduction
2
Q
What electrolyte abnormalities can predispose to VT?
A
Hyper/Hypokalaemia
Hypomagnesaemia
Hypocalcaemia
3
Q
What drugs can predispose to VT?
A
Antiarrhythmics i.e amiodarone Antibiotics Antipsychotics Antiemetics Antihistamines Calcium-channel blockers Opiates
4
Q
Describe ECG findings of VT
A
Regular wide complex tachycardia
5
Q
What are some causes of VT?
A
Electrolyte abnormalities i.e hypocalcaemia/hypomagnesaemia
Drugs i.e TCAs, anti-arrhythmics
Ischaemic heart disease
Structural heart disease
6
Q
What is the cause of polymorphic VT?
A
Prolonged QT interval
7
Q
Treatment of VT?
A
Stable: chemical cardioversion i.e amiodarone
Unstable/pulseless: follow arrest rhythm protocol
