ventricular tachycardia
A rapid heart rhythm originating from the ventricles, potentially life-threatening.
Full Definition
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid heart rhythm arising from abnormal electrical activity in the ventricular myocardium, typically defined as three or more consecutive ventricular beats at a rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. VT can be monomorphic (consistent QRS morphology) or polymorphic (varying QRS morphology), sustained (>30 seconds) or non-sustained. Monomorphic VT often originates from scar-related reentrant circuits, particularly in patients with prior myocardial infarction or cardiomyopathy. VT can cause hemodynamic compromise and may degenerate into ventricular fibrillation, making it a medical emergency.
Usage
Usage note: VT abbreviation acceptable after first use; avoid informal 'V-tach' in formal writing.
In Context
- "The patient's sustained ventricular tachycardia was successfully terminated with cardioversion." — Emergency department report
- "Substrate modification was performed to reduce ventricular tachycardia recurrence." — Ablation procedure note