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Sometimes problems with the heart's electrical signals lead to a fast heart rhythm, or ventricular arrhythmia. Too many signals may make the heart beat very fast (tachycardia). Or signals may be sent so rapidly and irregularly that the heart muscle sometimes quivers and doesn't beat at all (fibrillation).
Use the links below to learn more about ventricular arrhythmia, along with descriptions of different forms it takes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and more.
What is ventricular tachycardia (VT)? With VT, abnormal electrical pathways or circuits develop in the ventricles, usually in an area of heart muscle that's been damaged by heart attack or disease. Electrical signals enter the abnormal circuit and loop around, each time telling the ventricles to contract. This makes the heart beat very fast. VT can sometimes develop into the most serious arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation.
When signals enter the circuits, the ventricles beat very quickly and irregularly, so the heart muscle can't pump effectively. If the heart gets to the point that it can't pump at all (cardiac arrest), death may occur if emergency treatment isn't given to return the heart rhythm to normal.
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Sick Sinus Syndrome, which occurs when the heart's sinus node or another part of its electrical conduction system isn't working correctly
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Heart Block, which is often caused by a congenital heart defect, although it can also result from disease or injury. This occurs when electrical impulses can't make their way from the upper to lower chambers of the heart. Another node in the lower chambers takes over and acts as the heart's pacemaker. However, the transmission of the signals is much slower, leading to a slower heart rate
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Chest pain
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Fainting
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Fast or slow heartbeat (palpitations)
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Light-headedness, dizziness
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Paleness
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Shortness of breath
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Changes in the pattern of the pulse (skipping beats)
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Sweating
How is ventricular arrhythmia diagnosed? The doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope and feel your pulse. Your blood pressure may be low or normal. The following tests may be performed to identify arrhythmias:
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Ambulatory cardiac monitoring with a Holter monitor (used for 24 hours), event monitor or loop recorder (worn for 2 weeks or longer) -
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If an arrhythmia is detected, various tests may be done to confirm or rule out suspected causes. EPS testing may be done to find the arrhythmia and determine the best treatment, especially if a pacemaker or catheter ablation procedure is being considered.
Some medications that may be used are:
Many supraventricular arrhythmias can be treated and cured with radiofrequency ablation which avoids the need for lifelong drug therapy.
Some types of arrhythmias may be life-threatening if not promptly and properly treated. With bradycardias treated with a permanent pacemaker, the outlook is usually good.
When should I contact a medical professional? Call your doctor if:
- You develop any of the symptoms of a possible arrhythmia
- You have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia and your symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment
- Eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet
- Exercising regularly
- Not smoking
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