Definition of Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a fast heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles, the heart's lower pumping chambers. When the rate is very rapid, the ventricles do not have time to fill properly, which can sharply reduce the amount of blood the heart pumps.

VT can occur with a pulse — causing symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain — or it can be pulseless, which is a form of cardiac arrest. Pulseless VT is a shockable rhythm treated with immediate defibrillation and CPR, while VT with a pulse is managed according to whether the patient is stable or unstable, using medications or synchronized cardioversion as appropriate.

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Medical Definition & Meaning

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