New recommendations from the American Heart Association9 emphasize the initial use of 300 mg of intravenously administered amiodarone, followed by repeated 150-mg intravenous doses every eight to 10 minutes, in patients with pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
What is the treatment for ventricular tachycardia?
People with nonsustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia may be treated in a variety of ways to prevent future episodes and related complications. Treatments for V-tach include: Catheter ablation. This procedure is often used when a discrete electrical pathway is responsible for an increased heart rate.
When is PCI indicated in the treatment of pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
In every case of pulseless VT acute myocardial infarction should be suspected and urgent coronary angiography and PCI should be considered if feasible. [10][13] Fibrinolytic therapy during CPR for pulseless VT is not recommended.
When is lidocaine indicated in the treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
When VT occurs in patients with ongoing myocardial ischemia, lidocaine is suggested as the primary antiarrhythmic medication, because the mechanism in these cases is thought to be abnormal automaticity rather than reentry.Although intravenous (IV) lidocaine is effective at suppressing peri-infarction VT, it may increase the overall mortality risk.
What is sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
Definition. Sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a ventricular rhythm faster than 100 bpm lasting at least 30 seconds or requiring termination earlier due to haemodynamic instability. VT is defined as a wide complex tachycardia (QRS 120 milliseconds or greater) that originates from one of the ventricles,...
How do you treat ventricular tachycardia with a pulse?
Treatment for ventricular tachycardia may include medication, a shock to the heart (cardioversion), catheter procedures or surgery to slow the fast heart rate and reset the heart rhythm.
What is the first line treatment for ventricular tachycardia?
Anti-arrhythmic medications are the first-line therapy in emergency departments and CCUs, as discussed earlier. Amiodarone is most commonly used, along with lidocaine, and in some cases procainamide.
What is the initial drug of choice for SVT treatment?
Adenosine (Adenocard) Adenosine is the first-line medical treatment for the termination of paroxysmal SVT.
What is the initial treatment response for a patient in either pulseless ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation?
Ventricular Fibrillation/Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia. The most critical interventions during the first minutes of VF or pulseless VT are immediate bystander CPR (Box 1) with minimal interruption in chest compressions and defibrillation as soon as it can be accomplished (Class I).
What is the drug of choice for controlling ventricular tachycardia?
Abstract. For the emergency treatment of sustained, hemodynamically stable ventricular tachycardia, antiarrhythmic drugs are the therapy of choice. Mostly class I antiarrhythmic drugs, such as lidocaine or ajmaline, are preferred.
Can you give adenosine for Vtach?
Adenosine is safe and effective for differentiating wide-complex supraventricular tachycardia from ventricular tachycardia.
What is the best medication for tachycardia?
Beta blockers If you've been diagnosed with tachycardia, your doctor may prescribe a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers stop the action of the hormone adrenaline. This can relieve your tachycardia by slowing your heart rate. It can also lower your blood pressure and decrease the stress on your heart.
Is amiodarone used for SVT?
Background— Intravenous amiodarone and procainamide are both used as therapies for refractory supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Do you give adenosine for SVT?
Adenosine is administered intravenously in specific clinical cases. For the management of SVT, adenosine is ideally given through a peripheral intravenous (IV) access initially as a 6 mg dose followed by a 20 mL saline flush for rapid infusion.
What is the gold standard treatment for pulseless ventricular tachycardia?
Pulseless VT is a medical emergency that requires immediate defibrillation. The energy of 150-200 J on biphasic and 360 J on monophasic defibrillator should be used. Delaying defibrillation of pulseless VT dramatically decreases the survival rate.
Do you give epinephrine in v-tach?
Currently, the ACLS protocol for v fib and pulseless v tach recommends that epinephrine be given after the second defibrillation. Many hospitals and EMS systems, however, have been giving it earlier.
When is amiodarone given?
For cardiac arrest, amiodarone is used after the third shock for ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia that is unresponsive to shock delivery, CPR, and vasopressors. For tachycardia with a pulse, amiodarone may be considered, and expert consultation should be obtained prior to its use.
What is the best treatment for ventricular tachycardia?
In ongoing therapy for patients with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia and mild-to-moderate symptoms, beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers usually provide sufficient treatment. In terms of the choice of calcium-channel blockers, verapamil is usually used, with diltiazem as another option.
Why is cardioversion important?
Cardioversion is essential for the acute treatment of hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT) (symptomatic or severely hypotensive VT). Synchronized cardioversion should be considered before attempting antiarrhythmic drug therapy in patients who have syncope, presyncope, frequent palpitations, or hypotension ...
How long does sotalol last?
OR. amiodarone: 800-1600 mg/day orally given in single or divided doses for 1-3 weeks, followed by 600-800 mg/day given in single or divided doses for 4 weeks, followed by 200-400 mg/day given in single or divided doses .
What is a VT?
Idiopathic ventricular tachycardias (VTs) are several distinct entities of VT that occur in the absence of structural heart disease, known genetic disorder, drug toxicity, or electrolyte imbalance, but are identifiable by electrophysiologic testing and response to certain medications.
Is catheter ablation a first line?
In ongoing therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms, catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia should be considered as first line. Catheter ablation is also indicated in patients in whom beta-blockers and/or calcium-channel blockers are ineffective or poorly tolerated. [33] .
What is the best way to diagnose ventricular tachycardia?
A thorough physical exam, medical history and testing are required to diagnose ventricular tachycardia. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and ask you about your health habits and medical history. In some cases, ventricular tachycardia may be a medical emergency that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.
What is the best medication for a fast heart rate?
Other heart medications, such as calcium channel blockers and beta blockers, may be prescribed with anti-arrhythmic drugs . Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
How long does ventricular tachycardia last?
Ventricular tachycardia may go away on its own within 30 seconds (nonsustained V-tach) or last more than 30 seconds (sustained V-tach or VT ).
What is an EKG?
Electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical signal from your heart to check for different heart conditions. Electrodes are placed on your chest to record your heart's electrical signals, which cause your heart to beat.
Why is scar tissue used for tachycardia?
Because scar tissue doesn't conduct electricity, it interferes with stray electrical impulses that cause some types of tachycardia. Surgery is usually used only when other treatment options don't work or when surgery is needed to treat another heart disorder.
Is ventricular tachycardia a medical emergency?
In some cases, ventricular tachycardia may be a medical emergency that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. Several tests may be done to diagnose ventricular tachycardia.
Drugs used to treat Ventricular Tachycardia
The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
What causes ventricular tachycardia?
Your heart rate is regulated by electrical signals sent to your heart muscle. Certain conditions can interfere with normal electrical signals and cause ventricular tachycardia:
What are the signs and symptoms of ventricular tachycardia?
Ventricular tachycardia goes away on its own in 30 seconds. However, sustained ventricular tachycardia can last more than 30 seconds and requires emergency treatment.
How is ventricular tachycardia diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and take a complete medical history. They may order tests that include:
What can you do to prevent ventricular tachycardia?
Following your doctor’s treatment recommendations can help you prevent or manage episodes of the disease. In some cases, the causative factor (cardiovascular disorder, tumor, drugs, electrolyte imbalance, etc.) may need to be addressed and treated. It is also advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes:
Top Best Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia Related Articles
This procedure is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. Depending on the type of arrhythmia and the presence of other heart disease, a nonsurgical ablation or a surgical ablation, may be performed. During a catheter ablation, catheters are advanced to the heart via blood vessels in the groin, neck, and arm.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- The goals of ventricular tachycardia treatment are: 1. Restore a normal heart rhythm 2. Control the fast heart rate when it occurs 3. Prevent future episodes of tachycardia The specific treatment you receive depends on what is causing the arrhythmia and the type or severity of your ventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia may go away on its...
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Coping and Support
- If you have a plan in place to deal with an episode of a fast heartbeat, you may feel calmer and more in control when one occurs. Talk to your doctor about: 1. How to take your pulse and what a normal pulse rate is for you 2. When and how to use a variety of maneuvers or take additional medications if they are appropriate for you 3. When to call your doctor 4. When to seek emergen…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Whether you first see your family doctor or get emergency care, you'll likely be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions (cardiologist) for one or more appointments for a complete evaluation. If possible, bring along a family member or friend who can give some moral support and help you keep track of new information. Because there may be a lot to discuss, it will be helpful to prepar…