Ventricular Tachycardia

Cardiology

≥3 consecutive ventricular beats at >100 bpm.

Causes

  • Ischaemic scar (post-MI most common)
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Long/short QT, Brugada
  • Electrolyte, drug (QT-prolonging)

Investigations

  • 12-lead ECG (AV dissociation, capture/fusion beats, concordance)
  • Echo, cardiac MRI
  • Electrophysiology study

Management

  • Unstable → sync cardioversion (100 J)
  • Stable → amiodarone 300 mg IV or lidocaine
  • Correct K+ >4.5, Mg >1
  • ICD if EF ≤35% + NYHA II-III or secondary prevention
  • Catheter ablation for scar-related recurrent VT

Related in WardRound

Educational — verify locally.

WardRound

WardRound

Clinical Decisions in Seconds