Ventricular tachycardia is an arrhythmia caused by abnormal electrical signals in the ventricles of the heart. If it lasts more than a few seconds at a time, it can become life threatening. It may also be called V-tach or VT. It most often occurs in patients with:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart failure
• Heart surgery
• Myocarditis
• Valvular heart disease

VT can also be caused by:

• Anti-arrhythmic drugs
• Changes in blood chemistry
• Changes in pH
• Lack of enough oxygen

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Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Chest discomfort
• Syncope
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath

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Diagnosis

A Deborah Heart and Lung Center physician will look for:

• Absent pulse
• Loss of consciousness
• Normal or low blood pressure
• Rapid pulse

Tests that may be used to detect ventricular tachycardia include:

• Holter monitor
• ECG
• Intracardiac electrophysiology study
• Rhythm monitoring with a loop recorder or device