<unk>  <unk>  or<unk>  is a fast heart rate arising from the lower chambers of the heart. Although a few seconds may not result in problems, longer periods are dangerous; and multiple episodes over a short period of time is referred to as an Electrical Storm. Short periods may occur without symptoms, or present with lightheadedness, palpitations, or chest pain.<unk>  may result in<unk>  fibrillation (VF) and turn into cardiac arrest. This conversion of the<unk>  into VF is called the degeneration of the<unk> . It is found initially in about 7% of people in cardiac arrest.<unk>  can occur due to coronary heart disease, aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy, electrolyte problems, or a heart attack. Diagnosis is by an electrocardiogram (ECG) showing a rate of greater than 120 beats per minute and at least three wide QRS complexes in a row. It is classified as non-sustained versus sustained based on whether it lasts less than or more than 30 seconds. The term<unk>  arrhythmia refers to the group of abnormal cardiac rhythms originating from the ventricle, which includes<unk> ,<unk>  fibrillation, and torsades de pointes. In those who have normal blood pressure and strong pulse, the antiarrhythmic medication procainamide may be used. Otherwise, immediate cardioversion is recommended, preferably with a biphasic DC shock of 200 joules. In those in cardiac arrest due to<unk> , cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation is recommended. Biphasic defibrillation may be better than monophasic. While waiting for a defibrillator, a precordial thump may be attempted (However reserved to those who have the prior experience of doing so) in those on a heart monitor who are seen going into an unstable<unk> . In those with cardiac arrest due to<unk> , survival is about 45%. An implantable cardiac defibrillator or medications such as calcium channel blockers or amiodarone may be used to prevent recurrence.
Ventricular tachycardia
Artificial cardiac pacemaker
Sinus arrhythmia
Electrocardiography
Junctional tachycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia
Torsades de pointes
Tachycardia