Ventricular tachycardia

Question 1

Ventricular tachycardia?

Answer 1

A regular broad-complex tachycardia originating froma ventricular ectopic focus. Rate is usually >120bpm.

Question 2

Ventricular tachycardia aetiology?

Answer 2

electrical impulses arise from a ventricular ectopic focus.

Question 3

Ventricular tachycardia risk factors (5)?

Answer 3

Coronary heart disease, structural heart disease, electrolyte deficiencies, caffeine, cocaine.

Question 4

Ventricular tachycardia epidemiology?

Answer 4

common, a shockable rhythm seen in cardiac arrest patients, peaks in mid-life.

Question 5

Ventricular tachycardia symptoms?

Answer 5

of ischaemic heart disease or haemodynamic compromise due to poor perfusion; chest pain, palpitations, dyspnoea, syncope.

Question 6

Ventricular tachycardia signs (8)?

Answer 6

respiratory distress, bibasal crackles, raised JVP, hypotension, anxiety, agitation, lethargy, coma.

Question 7

Ventricular tachycardia investigations ECG?

Answer 7

rate>100, broad QRS complexes, AV dissociation

Question 8

Ventricular tachycardia investigations others (3)?

Answer 8

electrolytes, drug levels, AV dissociation

Question 9

Ventricular tachycardia initial management?

Answer 9

ABC, do they have a pulse?

Question 10

Ventricular tachycardia management VF and pulseless VT?

Answer 10

defibrillation

Question 11

Ventricular tachycardia management stable VT?

Answer 11

(no symptoms of haemodynamic compromise); correct electrolyte imbalance and amiodarone. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

Question 12

Ventricular tachycardia management when to use ICD

Answer 12

if sustained VT causing syncope or with ejection fraction <35%.

Question 13

Ventricular tachycardia complications (3)?

Answer 13

congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, VT may deteriorate to VF.