ventricular tachycardia Flashcards
describe the heart rate in ventricular tachycardia
regular and fast
describe the aetiology of ventricular tachycardia
usually caused by an underlying heart condition e.g. previous MI, cardiomyopathy
can also be idiopathic or iatrogenic
what are the 2 classifications for types of ventricular tachycardia
monomorphic VT
polymorphic VT
describe the pathophysiology of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia
can be caused by increased automaticity or due to a reentry circuit within the ventricle
most common cause is scarring of the heart muscle from previous MI
describe the causes of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
caused by abnormal ventricular repolarisation
e.g. long QT syndrome, drug toxicity or electrolyte imbalances
describe the symptoms of ventricular tachycardia
pre-syncope and syncope
hypotension
cardiac arrest
describe the clinical signs of ventricular tachycardia
regular and rapid pulse
between 120 and 220bpm
what are the investigations indicated in ventricular tachycardia
ECG
describe ECG findings in monomorphic ventricular tachycardia
wide QRS with constant morphology
rapid rate
describe the ECG findings in polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
broad QRS which varies in amplitude
rapid rate
what is torsade de pointes
specific polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with a long QT interval
describe the ECG findings in torsade de pointes
long QT interval
QRS appears to twist around the isoelectric line
describe the management used in a patient who is pulseless but has known ventricular tachycardia
defibrillation
describe the management of a patient with stable ventricular tachycardia
anti-arrhythmic drugs e.g. amiodarone
DCCV if medical therapy fails
describe the management of a patient with ventricular tachycardia who is unstable with a pulse
DCCV
