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Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach or VT) is a fast heartbeat in the lower chambers of the heart. Treatment for ventricular tachycardia depends on the cause of the arrhythmia.
The Henry Ford Heart & Vascular Institute has solutions that can reduce symptoms and prevent future episodes.
We use minimally invasive and robotic techniques to deliver precise treatment for V-tach. Our doctors work in specialized electrophysiology labs where 3D imaging lets them see inside your heart.
If you need a defibrillator implanted for ventricular tachycardia, we provide ongoing device monitoring and care from nurse practitioners with specialized training.
Abnormal electrical signals in the heart trigger V-tach. They make the heart beat more than 100 times a minute, instead of the normal 60 to 100 beats.
V-tach may occasionally occur in people with normal, healthy hearts. It’s called idiopathic ventricular tachycardia and typically isn’t serious.
Usually, though, another heart problem causes V-tach. These conditions can damage the heart’s “electrical system” and create the abnormal signals responsible for V-tach. They include:
Symptoms of ventricular tachycardia may include:
V-tach that lasts longer than 30 seconds may cause more severe symptoms, including:
We first do a thorough physical exam and listen while you tell us about your health history and overall wellness.
We may also use sophisticated testing to discover the cause of V-tach, including:
We want to restore your heart’s normal rhythm and prevent future instances of V-tach. We also work with your primary cardiologist to ensure you get tailored treatment. Depending on what’s causing the V-tach, we may partner with other heart specialists or with interventional radiologists.
Our treatment recommendations for ventricular tachycardia may include one approach or a combination:
Request an appointment with an electrophysiologist.
Know your heart risk in just 5 minutes! Take our Get Heart Smart quiz today and you will get a personalized heart risk report that could help you live healthier and longer.
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Please call 911 if you have an emergency or urgent medical question.
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