VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA
Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid heartbeat that arises from improper electrical activity that starts in the bottom chambers of the heart called the ventricles and these ventricles are the main pumping chambers of the heart. This is potentially life-threatening arrhythmia because it can cause low blood pressure and may lead to sudden death ventricular fibrillation and asystole, VT is a pulse rate of more than 100 beats per minute, with at least 3 irregular heartbeats in a row.
The condition can develop as an early or late complication of a heart attack. It may also occur in people with:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart surgery
- Valvular heart disease
- Heart failure
- Myocarditis
VT can be caused by Anti-arrhythmic drugs, Changes in blood chemistry, Changes in pH, Lack of enough oxygen.
Symptoms of ventricular tachycardia are Chest discomfort; Fainting, Lightheadedness, dizziness, Sensation of feeling the heart beat, Shortness of breath etc and Symptoms may start and stop suddenly. In some cases, there is no symptom.
Treatment depends on the symptom and the type of heart disorder.
If someone with VT is in distress they require CPR, Cardioversion, Medicines are given through a vein, medicines are taken by mouth may be needed for long-term treatment but these drugs may have severe side effects, A procedure to destroy the heart tissue that is causing the abnormal heartbeat can be done.
VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA MEDICATION
- Mexitil
Facts of Mexitil
- Brand Name: Mexitil
- Generic Name: mexiletine
Indiacations of Mexitil
This medication is used to treat irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and maintain a normal heart rate. It is an antiarrhythmic. It blocks certain electrical signals in the heart to stabilize the heart rhythm.