Ventricular tachycardia

Alternative Names

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 may be require CPR, electrical defibrillation or cardioversion (electric shock), or intravenous anti-arrhythmic medications (such as lidocaine, procainamide, bretylium, or sotalol).

Long-term treatment of ventricular tachycardia may require the use of oral anti-arrhythmic medications (such as procainamide, amiodarone, or sotalol). Anti-arrhythmic medications, however, may have severe side effects, and their use is currently decreasing in favor of other treatments.

Some ventricular tachycardias may show in the electrophysiologic study to be suitable for an ablation procedure. Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a curative treatment for selected tachycardias.

In recent years, a preferred treatment for many chronic (long-term) ventricular tachycardias consists of implanting a device called implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The ICD is implanted usually in the chest, like a pacemaker, and it is connected to the heart with wires.

The ICD is programmed by the doctor to sense ventricular tachycardia when it is occurring, and to administer a shock to abort it. The ICD may also be programmed to send a rapid burst of paced beats to interrupt the ventricular tachycardia. The ventricular tachycardia may require also the use of concomitant anti-arrhythmic agents to prevent repeated firing of the ICD.

Outlook (Prognosis)

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

Possible Complications

Ventricular tachycardia may not cause symptoms in some people, but may be lethal in others -- it is a major cause of sudden cardiac death.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you feel a rapid, irregular pulse, fainting, or chest pain -- all of which may be indicative of ventricular tachycardia.