Six consecutive beats of ventricular tachycardia (V Tach) lasting less than 30 seconds is classified as non-sustained ventricular tachycardia.
Here's a breakdown:
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Ventricular Tachycardia (V Tach): A rapid heart rhythm originating in the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart).
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Salvo: A short burst of rapid ventricular beats, typically three to five.
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Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia: Defined as six or more consecutive ventricular beats occurring at a rate greater than 100 beats per minute and lasting less than 30 seconds. It's a type of arrhythmia where the rapid heart rate stops on its own within 30 seconds.
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Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia: Ventricular tachycardia that lasts for 30 seconds or longer, or requires intervention to stop (e.g., medication or cardioversion).
Why is V Tach significant?
Rapid ventricular rhythms, including V Tach, are more dangerous than rapid atrial rhythms because they can severely compromise the heart's ability to effectively pump blood. This is due to:
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Reduced Filling Time: The rapid heart rate shortens the time the ventricles have to fill with blood between beats.
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Decreased Cardiac Output: Less blood is pumped with each contraction, leading to reduced blood flow to the body.
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Potential for Deterioration: V Tach can potentially degenerate into more life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation (VFib), which requires immediate defibrillation.
Therefore, while non-sustained V Tach may be relatively short-lived, it warrants evaluation to determine the underlying cause and assess the risk of more serious arrhythmias.
