Ventricular Tachycardia

Question 1

Define Ventricular Tachycardia:

Answer 1

Abnormally fast heart rhythm that arises from improper electrical activity of the heart, and starts in the ventricles. Has the potential to precipitate ventricular fibrillation - which would require urgent treatment.

Question 2

Ventricular Tachycardia: Causes: 
HA/MI
HK+
HMg
CoHD
CM
C
S

Answer 2

Ventricular Tachycardia: Causes: 
Heart Attack/Myocardial Infarction
Hypokalaemia
Hypomagneseamia 
Coronary Heart Disease
Cardiomyopathy
Caffeine 
Stress

Question 3

Ventricular Tachycardia: Symptoms 
CP
B
P
S
F
A

Answer 3

Ventricular Tachycardia: Symptoms 
Chest Pain
Breathlessness
Palpitations
Syncope 
Fatigue
Asymptomatic

Question 4

Ventricular Tachycardia: Investigations
E
E
B
A

Answer 4

Ventricular Tachycardia: Investigations
ECG
Echocardiogram
Bloods
Angiogram

Question 5

Ventricular Tachycardia: Treatment
Acute Management:
IV L
IV A
CV
ICD
EPS

Answer 5

Ventricular Tachycardia: Treatment
Acute Management:
IV Lidocane (antiarrythmic) (- caution if LV damage)
IV Amiodarone (antiarrythmic) (best with Heart Dx)
Cardioversion - DC Shock
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (+ w LV damage)
Electrophysiological Study

Question 6

Ventricular Tachycardia: Treatment
Oral Therapy:
ALD
MT

Answer 6

Ventricular Tachycardia: Treatment
Oral Therapy:
Amidarone Loading Dose 200mg/8hr Oral 7 days, then 200mg/12hr 7 days
then Maintenance Therapy - 200mg/24hr