What is the consequence of untreated ventricular tachycardia?

Untreated ventricular tachycardia poses significant risks to the patient's health, primarily leading to an increased risk of heart failure. Ventricular tachycardia is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by an abnormally fast heart rhythm originating from the ventricles. When this condition persists without treatment, it can impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, which may cause the heart muscle to weaken over time. This weakening can lead to heart failure, a serious condition where the heart cannot meet the body's demands for blood and oxygen.

In contrast to heart failure, the other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of untreated ventricular tachycardia. For example, improved cardiac output would not occur since the rapid heart rate can reduce the time the heart has to fill with blood, ultimately compromising its function. Moreover, a normal heart rhythm would certainly not result from a sustained tachycardic state unless treated. Lastly, the risk of myocardial infarction is not directly lowered; instead, untreated ventricular tachycardia can increase cardiac stress and the likelihood of ischemic events, including myocardial infarction, due to inadequate blood flow. Thus, the option indicating an increased risk of heart failure encapsulates the severe implications of untreated ventricular tachycardia.