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Rhythm disturbances that come from the lower, pumping chambers (ventricles)
of the heart are called ventricular arrhythmias. When a fast, regular rhythm starts in the ventricles,
it is called ventricular tachycardia. Short runs of ventricular tachycardia (3 to 10 beats in a row) are
called nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. They can occur without symptoms, sometimes in patients with
normal hearts and often don't require treatment. Ventricular tachycardia occurs more commonly, however,
in patients who have had a prior heart attack or have congestive heart failure. In these situations, it
can be a very serious problem. When an episode of ventricular tachycardia is prolonged (called sustained
ventricular tachycardia), it can cause a sensation of rapid heart beating, or it can cause you to pass out
or experience cardiac arrest. In a cardiac arrest, the heart is beating so rapidly or erratically that it
cannot pump, and emergency measures need to be started immediately to restore a normal heartbeat. The
most dangerous ventricular arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation and it always requires an immediate
electric shock, using a machine called a cardiac defibrillator, to convert it back to a normal rhythm.
Medicines called antiarrhythmic drugs are sometimes prescribed (see Cardiovascular Medications section)
to prevent episodes of ventricular tachycardia. An electrophysiology study (EPS) may be needed to properly
evaluate this arrhythmia. If you are a patient who has had prolonged episodes of ventricular tachycardia,
if you have survived a cardiac arrest, or if your doctor has determined you are at risk for either of
these conditions, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended
(see Therapeutic Procedures section).
Choose a topic at left and click for more information on Heart Rhythm Disturbances.
Copyright ©2005 Michigan Heart & Vascular Institute. All rights reserved.
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