Ventricular tachycardia (dangerous fast heartbeat)

Overview

VT often happens in people with past heart attacks or weak heart muscle.

An ICD can shock the heart back to normal.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Racing heartbeat with dizziness
• Fainting

Less common

• Chest pain

Look up a symptom: Dizziness · Racing or pounding heartbeat

When to get medical care

Causes

Heart disease.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Past heart attack

Possible complications

• Sudden cardiac arrest: VT can turn into a deadly rhythm

Diagnosis

This is diagnosed in the emergency room or hospital.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• ECG:

Treatment

Emergency care is needed. While waiting for help:

Self-care

• Call 911
• CPR if no pulse

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat heart disease
• Take heart medicines

Which doctor treats this

• Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
• They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Heart Association: Plain-language heart information and a support network for patients.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Young athletes who faint: Need heart checks.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Learn CPR. Many hospitals and the Red Cross offer classes.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

ICDs prevent sudden death.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What follow-up care do I need?
• How can I prevent this from happening again?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Ventricular tachycardia (dangerous fast heartbeat)