Ventricular tachycardia, often called V-tach or VT, is a serious abnormal heart rhythm that begins in the heart’s lower chambers, known as the ventricles. This condition involves the heart beating at an unusually fast rate, typically exceeding 100 beats per minute, and involving at least three rapid heartbeats in a row. It is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Experiencing V-tach
During an episode of V-tach, individuals often experience various sensations and symptoms. A common feeling is a very rapid or pounding heart rate, often described as palpitations or a racing heart in the chest.
Beyond the heart-related sensations, people may also feel dizzy or lightheaded. This can progress to feeling faint or even experiencing a full loss of consciousness, syncope. Shortness of breath is another frequent symptom, where individuals may feel they cannot get enough air.
Chest pain or discomfort, sometimes described as angina, can also arise during V-tach episodes. Weakness or fatigue may accompany these symptoms, making even simple movements difficult. The intensity of these symptoms can vary; some individuals may not immediately recognize their severity or may have no symptoms at all, especially during brief episodes.
The Physiological Impact of V-tach
Symptoms during V-tach stem from the heart’s rapid, inefficient beating. Normally, the ventricles fill with blood between beats, then contract to pump blood out to the body. In V-tach, the heart beats so quickly that the ventricles do not have enough time to fill completely.
This incomplete filling reduces the amount of blood the heart can pump out, known as cardiac output. When cardiac output decreases, the body’s organs and tissues, including the brain, do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Insufficient blood flow to the brain results in symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
Similarly, reduced blood flow to other parts of the body, such as muscles and lungs, causes weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The heart muscle itself may also not receive enough oxygen, leading to chest pain or discomfort. Sustained V-tach can significantly lower blood pressure, further compromising blood delivery throughout the body.
When to Get Help
Ventricular tachycardia is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. If you or someone experiences symptoms suggestive of V-tach, such as a very rapid or pounding heart rate, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest pain, seek help without delay. Call emergency services, such as 911 in the United States, immediately.
It is not advisable to wait for symptoms to subside or to attempt to self-diagnose. Prompt medical evaluation can distinguish V-tach from less serious heart rhythm issues and allow for appropriate treatment to restore a normal heart rhythm. Delaying care can lead to more severe complications, including sudden cardiac arrest.