Ventricular Tachycardia Flashcards
1
Q
What is ventricular tachycardia?
A
An abnormally rapid heart rhythm that originates in the ventricle
VT is defined as a wide complex tachycardia (QRS 120 milliseconds or greater)
2
Q
What can VT lead to?
A
Ventricular fibrillation
3
Q
What is sustained ventricular tachycardia?
A
VT over 100 bpm lasting at least 30 seconds or requiring termination earlier due to haemodynamic instability.
4
Q
Causes of sustained VT?
A
Coronary artery disease Acute myocardial infarction Left ventricular systolic dysfunction Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Electrolyte imbalance Drug toxicity
5
Q
What is Torsades de pointes?
A
A form of polymorphic VT with a characteristic twisting morphology occurring in the setting of QT interval prolongation.
6
Q
Symptoms of sustained VT?
A
Tachycardia
Hypotension
Weak pulse
7
Q
Signs of sustained VT?
A
Pre-syncope and syncope
Impaired consciousness
8
Q
Management of haemodynamically unstable sustained VT?
A
DC cardioversion
