Ventricular tachycardia

Alternative names:

V tach; wide-complex tachycardia

Treatment:

Treatment varies with the symptoms, the situation, and the underlying cardiac disorder. No treatment may be required in some cases.

Ventricular tachycardia may become an emergency situation and CPR may be required. Electrical defibrillation or cardioversion (electric shock) may be needed.

Antiarrhythmic medications such as lidocaine, procainamide, and others may be helpful in controlling ventricular tachycardia. Medications may also include beta-blockers, amiodarone, or others.

Cardiac surgery may be indicated in some cases.

Implanted devices such as an AICD (automatic implanted cardiac defibrillator, an implanted device that senses ventricular tachycardia and administers a shock) may be useful for controlling chronic ventricular tachycardia.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies depending on the underlying cardiac disorder, the situation, and symptoms.

Complications:

Ventricular tachycardia may not cause symptoms in some people; it may cause sudden death in others.

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if chest pain or other symptoms of ventricular tachycardia occur.