Ventricular Tachycardia

Question 1

Define

Answer 1

Broad complex tachycardia
↘ ECG shows rate of >100 bpm
↘ QRS complex duration >120 ms
(>3 small squares)
P wave absent or inverted after QRS

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

auses
􏰀 Often a symptom of coronary heart disease or structural heart disease
􏰀 Can be triggered by electrolyte deficiency (↓K+, ↓Ca2+, ↓Mg2+)
􏰀 Sympathomimetic agents (e.g. caffeine, cocaine) may stimulate VT in vulnerable hearts

Question 3

Symptoms

Answer 3

Symptoms
Most patients present with symptoms of either ischaemic heart disease or haemodynamic compromise resulting from poor perfusion
↘ CP, palpitations, dyspnoea, dizziness, syncope

Question 4

Signs

Answer 4

Signs reflect the degree of haemodynamic instability
Including respiratory distress, basal fine lung crepitations, raised JVP, hypotension, anxiety, agitation, lethargy, coma

Question 5

Investigations

Answer 5

ECG
electrolytes
troponin
creative kinase

Question 6

Management

Answer 6

1. pulseless/ unstable - dc shock
2. stable: stable flow o2, iv access urea and electrolytes,
   amiodrarone iv

Question 7

Complications

Answer 7

congestive heart failure

cardiogenic shock

Question 8

Prognosis

Answer 8

good if reapid treatment