What is Ventricular Tachycardia?

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) is defined by improper electrical conduction in the ventricles of the heart. This condition occurs when the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats malfunction, leading to a fast and often chaotic heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles. Specifically, VT is characterized by a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute, which arises from abnormal electrical impulses, often in the presence of underlying heart disease or previous myocardial injury.

The key distinction of VT is that it can compromise the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, which may lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or hypotension. Failure to recognize and treat VT can lead to more severe arrhythmias or even sudden cardiac arrest. Understanding the nature of VT helps in differentiating it from other conditions like bradycardia (slow heart rate), where the underlying issue is typically related to a blockage or disruption in the electrical pathways rather than the inappropriate electrical activity in the ventricles seen in VT.