Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid, but regular heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles (lower part of the heart.) If left untreated, some forms of ventricular tachycardia may get worse and lead to ventricular fibrillation (fast and irregular heart rhythm), which can be life-threatening. When this occurs, the heart can actually stop pumping blood, resulting in sudden cardiac death.
Patients diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia often have a history of heart disease or have had a previous heart attack or surgery. Also, it can be due to a congenital heart defect, hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy, or myocarditis. Some medications can also cause you to have episode of VT.
Symptoms include:
- Heart palpitations and dizziness and sometimes fainting
- Shortness of breath and weak pulse
- Chest pain, or angina
Ventricular tachycardia can be extremely dangerous and can change to ventricular fibrillation in a matter of seconds.
Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
A minimally invasive procedure called cardiac ablation can locate and cauterize the areas where the arrhythmia occurs. You will receive a sedative through an IV and your leg will be numbed at the site of the incision. The cardiologist makes an incision in your leg and inserts a catheter through your arteries and into the heart. A shot of adrenaline is injected through the catheter to trigger the arrhythmia. When this happens, the cardiologist is able to identify the location and deliver a low-voltage current that seals the area and prevents future arrhythmias in the region.
In some cases, more than one procedure may need to be performed due to the specific cause and location of the VT. If just one procedure is required, you will most likely be able to go home within a couple of days. If additional ablations are needed, you will remain in the hospital until all procedures have been completed.