Ventricular tachycardia: symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

x

Definition

What is ventricular tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular tachycardia is a serious condition that causes the heart to beat much faster than normal (tachycardia). Under normal conditions, your heart beats 60-100 beats per minute. This much beat is sufficient to supply volume of blood to the lungs and peripheral circulation.

However, in VT, your heart beats at more than 100 beats per minute, with at least 3 consecutive abnormal heartbeats (heart circle).

Heart rate acceleration is generally caused by problems with the electrical or electrical flow to the heart. However, it is possible that there are other heart problems that can trigger this condition.

How common is ventricular tachycardia?

This condition can occur in patients of any age, in women and men. In patients with high-risk heart disease associated with ventricular arrhythmias or in young or middle-aged patients without structural abnormalities of the heart.

This condition can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of ventricular tachycardia?

If your heart rate is accelerating (pounding) for just a few seconds, you may not feel anything wrong. If the condition lasts longer, you may notice that your heart is beating faster, faster, or stopping for a fraction of a second. This type of change in heart rate is called palpitations. Other symptoms include:

• Dizzy
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Fainting (syncope)

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should call your doctor or ambulance if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes

If you do not experience these symptoms, but often feel your heart beating fast or irregularly, consult your doctor or nurse.

Each sufferer's body shows signs and symptoms that vary. To get the most appropriate treatment and according to your health condition, make sure you always check any symptoms you experience to the doctor or the nearest health service center.

What are the complications caused by ventricular tachycardia?

The complications or problems caused by ventricular tachycardia depend on the severity, duration of the heartbeat acceleration, how often the condition occurs, and the presence of other heart problems.

Here are some of the complications that may occur:

• The heart is unable to pump enough blood (heart failure)
• Often fainted and was unconscious
• Cardiac arrest (cardiac arrest) which has the potential to cause death

Cause

What causes ventricular tachycardia?

This condition is generally caused by problems with the electrical or electrical system in the heart. The ventricles of the heart (the main part of the heart that pumps blood) send out abnormal electrical signals that speed up the heartbeat.

In addition, an increase in heart rate is sometimes a normal response to abdominal muscle problems, and it is a normal reflex mechanism.

These conditions increase the rhythm and rate of the heart by efficiently providing the volume of blood the body needs. However, if it happens too often, tachycardia can harm the heart muscle, so the heart can't pump blood properly.

Electrical system problems are usually caused by other heart conditions, such as:

• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Heart surgery
• Infection of the heart, or myocarditis

This condition can also be caused by:

• Medicines to control heart rhythm disease
• Changes in the blood (such as having too little or too many certain chemicals in the blood)
• Not getting enough oxygen

Risk factors

What increases my risk for ventricular tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia is a disease that can occur in almost anyone, regardless of age group and race. However, there are various types of factors that can increase a person's risk for suffering from this disease.

You need to know that having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop a disease or health condition. In some cases, there are people with certain diseases who do not have any risk factors.

The following are risk factors that can trigger this condition:

1. Age

This disease is more common in adult and elderly patients. The older you get, the higher your risk for developing this disease.

2. Suffering from coronary heart disease or other heart disorders

If you have heart problems, such as coronary heart disease or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, your chances of experiencing an accelerated heart rate are much greater.

3. Family history

If someone in your family has the same condition, your chances of experiencing tachycardia are much greater.

Other risk factors that can affect this condition are:

• Continuous sudden acceleration of the heart rate
• Family history of preterm SCD
• Often fainting for no apparent reason
• Abnormal blood pressure response to exercise
• NSVT

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is ventricular tachycardia diagnosed?

To diagnose ventricular tachycardia, your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination. First, you will be asked about your symptoms, your medical history, and family members who also have heart problems.

The doctor will perform several tests that can give a more accurate diagnosis. In some cases, this condition may become an emergency that requires diagnosis and assistance as soon as possible.

The following are some of the tests that doctors generally do to diagnose:

1. Electrocardiogram (EKG)

An electrocardiogram or EKG test is one of the most commonly performed procedures to diagnose heart problems. This test uses a device that detects and records the electrical activity of your heart, using small sensors (electrocytes) attached to your chest and arms.

An EKG records the timing and strength of your heart's electrical signals. Your doctor can look at these signal patterns to determine what type of tachycardia you have, as well as how problems with your heart can trigger an accelerated heart rate.

The doctor may also suggest using an EKG device portable which you can use at home. These tools are:

• Holter monitor
• Event monitor
• Transtelephonic monitor
• Implantable loop recorder

2. Imaging tests

Your doctor may also order certain types of imaging tests or take more detailed images of your heart. This test can help see the structure of your heart as well as your body's blood flow.

The following types of imaging tests are recommended:

• Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram test produces a moving visual display of your heart, using sound waves through a device attached to your chest.

These sound waves can detect abnormalities in the valves and heart muscle, which can affect blood flow to and from the heart.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

An MRI scan can produce detailed pictures and videos of your bloodstream, so your doctor can detect any abnormalities in your heart.

• Computerized tomography (CT)

A CT scan combines several X-ray images to show images of the heart from various sides.

• Coronary angiogram

This procedure is done to find out how blood flows to your heart and blood vessels. This test can also help the doctor find out if there is a blockage or obstruction in the blood vessels.

This test is done with a special ink that is injected into your coronary arteries. Then, the ink liquid will be detected by a special X-ray.

3. Stress test

Your doctor will recommend a stress test to see how your heart is working when your body is doing strenuous activity, or given certain medications that speed up your heart rate.

In this test, electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart's performance during your exercise, usually by walking on treadmill.

4. Electrophysiological test

Your doctor may also recommend that you do an electrophysiological test to find out more about the electrical activity of your heart.

In this test, the doctor will insert a small catheter with an electrode at the end. This catheter is inserted through the base or neck, which will then pass through the blood vessels and to several points of your heart.

How is ventricular tachycardia treated?

The goals of treating ventricular tachycardia are to return your heart rate to its original rhythm, regulate your heart rate, and prevent possible relapses.

Treatment depends on the cause behind the accelerated heart rate, as well as the severity of your suffering.

There are 2 types of ventricular tachycardia, namely continuous and unsustainable. In the unsustainable type, the heart rate accelerates for only 30 seconds and will subside on its own.

Meanwhile, if the acceleration of the heart rate lasts for more than 30 seconds and affects blood flow in the body, this condition is classified as a continuous type.

Some types of medication and treatment include:

1. Emergency treatment

Continuous ventricular tachycardia can generally result in sudden death and requires immediate medical attention.

Treatment is usually carried out by passing an electric current to the heart with a defibrillation device. This procedure can also be done by administering the drug through an IV or by mouth.

2. Treatment to prevent heart rate acceleration

Patients with both continuous and unsustainable types of tachycardia both need medical treatment that can prevent the heart from accelerating again or developing complications.

• Catheter ablation

This procedure is performed when the heartbeat accelerates due to abnormal electrical currents of the heart.

The doctor will insert a catheter through your groin or neck, then into a blood vessel in your heart.

Then, the tip of the catheter equipped with electrodes will deliver hot, cold, or radio frequency energy to affect the flow of electricity to the heart.

• Pacemaker

Device called pacemaker the doctor will attach to your body. Pacemaker sends electrical signals to the heart to control heart rate.

• Drugs

Anti-arrhythmic drugs, given to prevent the acceleration of the heartbeat if consumed regularly.

• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

This small device called an ICD is implanted in your chest. The ICD will monitor your heart rate, detect an increase in heart rate, and provide enough electricity to restore the heart rate.

• Operation

Surgery is performed to create scar tissue on the heart. This can inhibit the flow of abnormal electrical signals.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat ventricular tachycardia?

Having a heart problem can lead to a variety of health complications, including ventricular tachycardia. However, you can certainly prevent these trigger factors by making lifestyle changes.

By following the tips below, your heart health is maintained so that heart disease can be prevented.

1. Exercise

If you adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

No need to do strenuous and too intense exercise. The most important thing is that you do it regularly, for example 4-5 times a week for 30 minutes.

2. Maintain a healthy diet

As with exercise, choosing a diet that is healthy and nutritious can also help reduce your chances of developing heart problems.

The combination of exercise and a healthy diet can help you achieve the ideal weight. Heart problems, including ventricular tachycardia, are more likely to occur in overweight or obese bodies.

3. Stop smoking

Smoking can cause a variety of problems with the body as a whole, including ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, try to start reducing smoking, then stop completely.

If you have difficulty quitting smoking, you can consult a doctor or psychologist.

4. Do not drink alcohol to excess

If you still want to drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation. For adults, you shouldn't drink more than 1 or 2 glasses a day. However, it would be better if you completely stopped drinking.

5. Use over-the-counter drugs based on dosage

Some over-the-counter cold and flu medications can trigger an accelerated heart rate. It's best to ask your doctor what types of drugs you should avoid.

6. Limit consumption of caffeine

Excess caffeine can also cause an accelerated heart rate. Therefore, it's a good idea to reduce or limit your caffeine consumption. Avoid drinking more than 2 cups of coffee a day.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.