Types/Stages of Ventricular Tachycardia
Based on duration and morphology, ventricular tachycardia is classified into:
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Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia: Lasts more than 30 seconds.
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Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia: This one typically lasts less than 30 seconds.
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Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: All QRS complexes display the same form, indicating the same ectopic focus.
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Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: The QRS complexes show different morphologies, indicating different ectopic foci.
Symptoms of Ventricular Tachycardia
The symptoms of ventricular tachycardia may not always be observable if it lasts only for a short duration. However, when present, they may include:
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Fatigue
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Fainting
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Chest Pain
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Shortness of breath
Severe and persistent cases can lead to a dire condition called ventricular fibrillation and can be life-threatening.
Tests to Diagnose Ventricular Tachycardia
At Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, doctors for ventricular tachycardia conduct a range of tests for accurate diagnosis, including:
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Electrocardiogram: Monitors the heart’s electrical activity.
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Holter Monitor: A device worn to record heart rhythms.
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Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to generate images of the heart.
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Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed images of the heart.
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Blood Tests: To check levels of electrolytes and other substances that affect the heart’s functions.
Treatment or Surgery Options for Ventricular Tachycardia at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, has the best ventricular tachycardia specialists. This faculty offers several treatment options based on the severity and individual patient needs.
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Medication: Antiarrhythmic drugs are prescribed to manage heart rhythm and prevent VT episodes.
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Cardioversion: Electrical shock is delivered to restore normal heart rhythm.
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ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator): An implanted device that monitors and corrects irregular heart rhythms.
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Catheter Ablation: Ventricular tachyarrhythmia specialists destroy problematic areas in the heart using radiofrequency energy.
In certain cases, surgical interventions may be required. Apollo Hospitals in Chennai guarantees access to highly competent ventricular tachyarrhythmia surgeons to manage this condition.