ventricular tachycardia
Also written as: VT — ventricular tachycardia
A rapid heart rhythm originating from the ventricles, typically exceeding 100 beats per minute.
Full Definition
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by three or more consecutive ventricular beats at a rate greater than 100 beats per minute. It originates from abnormal electrical activity in the ventricles rather than the normal conduction pathway. VT can be sustained (lasting more than 30 seconds) or non-sustained, and may progress to ventricular fibrillation if untreated. Treatment options include antiarrhythmic medications, cardioversion, or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as VT in clinical documentation; distinguish from ventricular fibrillation in emergency contexts.
In Context
- "The patient's telemetry showed a 12-beat run of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia." — cardiac monitoring report
- "Amiodarone was initiated for recurrent ventricular tachycardia in this patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy." — treatment plan