What characterizes ventricular tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by rapid contractions of the heart. This condition occurs when the electrical signals in the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) become disorganized, leading to a heart rate that can exceed 100 beats per minute and often occurs in a consistent and rapid manner. This can be problematic as it may prevent the ventricles from filling with blood adequately, compromising the effectiveness of the heart's pumping action and potentially leading to a decrease in cardiac output.

Understanding the nature of ventricular tachycardia is crucial for recognizing its potential severity. It can either be sustained, where the increased heart rate lasts for a longer duration, or non-sustained, where the episodes are brief. The significance lies in its ability to escalate to more severe arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, which can be life-threatening. Recognizing the rapid nature of the contractions is key to diagnosing and treating the condition effectively.