Ventricular tachycardia sounds like a life-threatening condition, doesn’t it? Well, in some cases it is, but it can be a condition that comes and goes in others.

Our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team highlights what you need to know about this heart condition below, so keep reading.

What Is Ventricular Tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT, for short) is a heart rhythm issue that is caused by abnormal electrical signals in the ventricles. VT causes the heart to beat too fast in most cases, which then prohibits the pumping of the right amount of blood to the rest of the body. When the rest of the body’s organs don’t get enough oxygenated blood, it can cause shortness of breath, dizziness and even loss of consciousness.

In the most common cases, ventricular tachycardia will only last for about 30 seconds (non-sustained V-tach) and will cause the symptoms that we’ve listed below.

Common Ventricular Tachycardia Symptoms

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath

How Concerned Should I Be About Ventricular Tachycardia?

Even if it only lasts for a quick burst, the concern level should still be relatively high. VT isn’t very common, as only up to 4% of Americans deal with it annually, and it can cause life-threatening complications if it happens for a length of time (sustained V-tach).

Consistent bouts of VT can lead to serious complications, like frequent fainting spells or unconsciousness, heart failure and in worst cases, sudden death caused by cardiac arrest. We’ve listed the best ways you can prevent VT from affecting you below.

Ways to Prevent VT

• Exercise often. This means getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, according to the CDC.
• Maintain a healthy diet. A diet low in saturated and trans fats and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps keep the heart healthy.
• Control stress. High stress levels cause a high BPM, which puts more stress on the heart.
• Don’t use illegal drugs. Stimulants, such as cocaine and meth, cause lots of damage to the heart.

Do you have further questions about VT? If so, our AFC team is here to help! Don’t hesitate to reach out or visit us today.