wide complex tachycardia
Also written as: WCT — wide complex tachycardia
Rapid heart rhythm with QRS duration greater than 120 milliseconds, potentially ventricular in origin.
Full Definition
An emergency cardiology presentation characterized by a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute with QRS complexes wider than 120 milliseconds (three small boxes on standard ECG paper). This finding suggests either ventricular tachycardia or supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant conduction. The distinction is crucial as ventricular tachycardia carries higher mortality risk and requires different treatment approaches. Emergency management often assumes ventricular origin until proven otherwise, particularly in patients with structural heart disease or hemodynamic instability.
Usage
Usage note: QRS width measurement should be specified in milliseconds, not just described as 'wide'.
In Context
- "The 12-lead ECG demonstrated wide complex tachycardia at 180 beats per minute." — ECG interpretation report
- "Given the wide complex tachycardia and hemodynamic instability, immediate cardioversion was indicated." — Emergency treatment documentation