What characterizes ventricular tachycardia (VT)?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is characterized by a fast heart rhythm originating from the ventricles. In this condition, the electrical impulses that control the heart's beating begin in the ventricles instead of the normal pacemaker, the sinoatrial node in the atria, resulting in an abnormally high heart rate that typically exceeds 100 beats per minute. This rapid heart rate can lead to inadequate filling of the heart chambers and reduced cardiac output, which may cause symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or even loss of consciousness.

This fast, abnormal rhythm is critical to recognize because it can lead to serious complications, including progression to ventricular fibrillation, which is a life-threatening condition. Identifying VT promptly is vital for effective management and treatment, which can include medication, cardioversion, or the use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in chronic cases. Understanding the nature of VT as a rapid rhythm originating from the ventricles is essential for diagnosing and treating arrhythmias successfully.