Ventricular tachycardia

Alternative names:

V tach; wide-complex tachycardia

Symptoms:

• sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• fainting (syncope)
• shortness of breath
• angina (chest discomfort)

Note: Symptoms may start and stop suddenly. In some cases, there are no symptoms. Decreased urine output may also be associated with this disease.

Signs and tests:

Ventricular tachycardia can exist as a potentially lethal arrhythmia, resulting in an absent pulse. It can also exist as a stable form, in which case the person will have a rapid pulse. The blood pressure is normal or low.

Ventricular tachycardia may be seen on:

• an ECG
• an intracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS)
• a continuous ambulatory electrocardiography (Holter monitor)

Blood chemistries and other tests may be performed.