Condition- Ventricular Tachycardia Flashcards

1
Q

Define ventricular tachycardia

A

Regular broad-complex tachycardia rate >120bpm

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2
Q

What causes ventricular tachycardia?

A

Electrical impulses arising from a ventricular ectopic focus= abnormal excitable group of cells (anothr pacemaker site)

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3
Q

List some risk factors leading to the development of VT

A
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Structural heart disease e.g. cardiomyopathies
  • Long QT syndrome
  • Electrolyte deficiencies (e.g. hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia)
  • Use of stimulant drugs (e.g. caffeine, cocaine)
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4
Q

List some symptoms of VT

A
  • chest pain
  • palpitations
  • dyspnoea
  • syncope
  • +symptoms of cause
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5
Q

List some signs of VT

A
  • Respiratory distress
  • Bibasal crackles
  • Raised JVP
  • Hypotension
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Lethargy
  • Coma

Caused by Congestive cardiac failure

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6
Q

What are the two different types of VT? What causes them?

A
  • monomorphic VT: ECG looks reguar + same shape complexes. Caused by single focal VT/ re-entry rhythm. most commonly caused by MI
  • polymorphic VT: All ECG complexes look different. Caused by multiple focal points becoming irritated e.g. in hypoxia
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7
Q

What does this ECG show and why?

A

VT= very tidy

Can see AV disocciation (no distinct p waves)

Tachycardia

Broad QRS complex

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8
Q

Other than ECG which other investigations might you conduct on someone with VT?

A
  • Electrolytes
  • Drugs and Tox screen
  • Cardiac Enzymes (trops)
  • TFTs
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9
Q

How would you manage a pt with VT?

A
  • If haemodynamically UNSTABLE:
    • DC cardioversion
    • Correct electrolyte imbalance
    • IV Amiodarone
  • If haemodynamically STABLE:
    • Amiodarone, Lidocaine, Procainamide
    • Correct electrolyte imbalance
    • If not corrected: synchronised DC carioversion
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10
Q

How are future VT episodes pevented in a patient who survives?

A
  • Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
  • Radiofrequency ablation of focal points
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