Wide complex tachycardia physical examination

Jump to navigation Jump to search


Resident
Survival
Guide
File:Physician Extender Algorithms.gif

Wide complex tachycardia Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Causes

Differentiating VT from SVT with aberrant conduction

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

EKG Examples

Electrophysiologic testing

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Primary Prevention

Case Studies

Case #1

Wide complex tachycardia physical examination On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Wide complex tachycardia physical examination

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Wide complex tachycardia physical examination

CDC on Wide complex tachycardia physical examination

Wide complex tachycardia physical examination in the news

Blogs on Wide complex tachycardia physical examination

Directions to Hospitals Treating Wide complex tachycardia

Risk calculators and risk factors for Wide complex tachycardia physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Initial assessment of the ABCs (airway, breathing, and circulation) is critical in the management of the patient with wide complex tachycardia. Patients who are hemodynamically unstable should undergo immediate cardioversion. Hemodynamic stability does not reliably differentiate VT from SVT. Patients with ventricular tachycardia can often be hemodynamically stable, and stable vital signs do not rule out ventricular tachycardia. This is often a major mistake on the part of clinicians and can lead to inappropriate treatment of VT as SVT with poor outcomes. [1]

Physical Examination

Vital Signs

Vitals should be obtained to assess hemodynamic stability and guide therapy. If the patient is hemodynamically unstable (i.e. hypotensive), they should undergo immediate cardioversion.

Neck

Cardiac

References

  1. Morady F, Baerman JM, DiCarlo LA, DeBuitleir M, Krol RB, Wahr DW (1985). "A prevalent misconception regarding wide-complex tachycardias". JAMA : the Journal of the American Medical Association. 254 (19): 2790–2. PMID 4057488. Retrieved 2013-08-04. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

Template:WH Template:WS