Professional
Technical
IVT
VT
Also written as: VT — ventricular tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia, a rapid heart rhythm originating from the ventricles.
Full Definition
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid cardiac rhythm (>100 bpm) originating from ventricular tissue, characterized by wide QRS complexes (>120 ms) on ECG. VT can be sustained (>30 seconds) or non-sustained, and monomorphic or polymorphic in appearance. Hemodynamically unstable VT requires immediate cardioversion, while stable VT may be treated with antiarrhythmic medications. VT can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation if untreated.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from VF and SVT; specify sustained vs non-sustained, monomorphic vs polymorphic.
In Context
- "Sustained monomorphic VT was terminated with synchronized cardioversion." — Emergency procedure note
- "Non-sustained VT episodes were noted on telemetry monitoring." — Cardiac monitoring report
Also known as
ventricular tachycardia
v-tach
Contrasted with
bradycardia
normal sinus rhythm
Don't confuse with
VF
SVT with aberrancy
torsades de pointes