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Symptoms & Causes

Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach)

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What is Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach)?

What is V-tach?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT or V-tach) is a fast, irregular heart rhythm caused by abnormal electrical signals in the ventricles, the heart's lower chambers. The rapid heartbeat may prevent the ventricles from filling up with blood, making it difficult to pump enough blood to the body.

V-tach episodes may be brief and not need any treatment, but sustained V-tach episodes that last longer than 30 seconds can be life-threatening and need immediate treatment. In some cases, this arrhythmia may cause dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or death.

Types of Ventricular Tachycardia

Types

There are two types of ventricular tachycardia that are defined by the length of the episode:

  • Nonsustained V-tach - Brief V-tach episodes that last less than 30 seconds and may not cause any symptoms. Nonsustained V-tach episodes may not need any treatment.
  • Sustained V-tach - Episodes that last more than 30 seconds and can be serious and life-threatening. Treatment for sustained ventricular tachycardia may include medication or a heart procedure to control the rapid heartbeats and related symptoms. It is important to seek emergency medical attention if someone is experiencing V-tach symptoms.

Another way to categorize the type of V-tach is by the condition's cause.

  • Structural heart disease - Most people with V-tach have structural heart disease. This develops after a disease damages the heart muscle and scar tissue and creates abnormal electrical pathways in the ventricles. Heart diseases that can damage the heart include:
  • Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia - V-tach can develop suddenly or happen because of an unknown cause. This type of V-tach may or may not be life-threatening.

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Signs & Symptoms of Ventricular Tachycardia

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of ventricular tachycardia may include:

  • Chest discomfort
  • Dizziness
  • Palpitations, pounding heartbeat
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Fainting
  • Cardiac arrest

What Causes Ventricular Tachycardia?

Causes

The exact cause of ventricular tachycardia may not be known. Certain heart diseases and other factors may lead to the development of V-tach, including:

  • Structural heart disease - V-tach is developed after a disease damages the heart muscle and creates scar tissue that causes abnormal electrical pathways in the ventricles. Heart diseases that can damage the heart include heart attack, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, myocarditis, and heart valve disease.
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Certain genetic conditions, for instance, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a genetic (inherited) condition that can trigger V-tach
  • Side effects of certain medicines
  • Electrolyte disorders are caused by a significant loss of body fluids due to vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating
  • Recreational drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

Any condition that strains the heart or damages heart tissue can increase the risk of ventricular tachycardia. Lifestyle changes or proper medical treatment for the following conditions and events may lower the risk:

  • Heart diseases that damage the heart muscle
  • Certain medications
  • Electrolyte imbalances due to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Use of drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, or methamphetamine

Prevention

Prevention

Preventing heart disease and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the likelihood of developing ventricular tachycardia. Helpful lifestyle changes can include:

  • Avoiding or quitting smoking
  • Keeping a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Checking and maintaining a healthy blood pressure
  • Checking and maintaining a healthy cholesterol level
  • Avoiding or limiting alcohol/caffeine
  • Maintaining follow-up care and taking medications regularly
Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Ventricular Tachycardia Care

NewYork-Presbyterian provides medical, interventional, and surgical therapies for people with arrhythmias. Learn about ventricular tachycardia treatment and contact us to make an appointment.