Pulseless ventricular tachycardia overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aisha Adigun, B.Sc., M.D.[2]
Overview
Pulseless ventricular tachycardia is an often fatal cardiac dysrhythmia where the regular rhythmic contraction of the heart is replaced by non-rhythmic, faster, yet inadequate contractions. In 1906 Gallavardin discovered the reasons behind the cardiac instability which leads to ventricular tachycardia, and put forth the idea that VT could convert into ventricular fibrillation, pulselessness and sudden death. In 1909,Thomas Lewis gave the first electrocardiographic description of ventricular tachycardia. It was also first implied in 1921 that coronary occlusion could be the main incriminating factor of any ventricular tachycardia. The ineffective contractions in pulseless ventricular tachycardia do not appropriately perfuse the organ, leading to ischemia as well as heart failure. This condition requires immediate medical attention as it is an emergency and can lead to ventricular fibrillation and sudden death.[1] As a result of markedly rapid ventricular contractions, diastole is shortened and there is a significant decrease in the ventricular filling. This results in a significant reduction in cardiac output, and an absent pulse. Pulseless ventricular tachycardia refers to a rhythm with a heart rate above 120 beats per minute, wide QRS complexes above 120 milliseconds, the dissociation between the atria and ventricles, presence of fusion beats, and an electrical axis between -90 to -180.[1] Because majority of wide complex tachycardia cases will be ventricular tachycardia, any wide complex tachycardia should always be assumed to be due to ventricular tachycardia until proven otherwise.