Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Caused by abnormal electrical signals in the ventricles — the lower chambers of the heart — ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a heart rhythm disorder where the heart beats too quickly to properly provide the entire body with sufficient blood. While ventricular tachycardia doesn’t always cause symptoms, it can lead to ventricular fibrillation — a serious heart condition that can cause the heart to stop working. To prevent this more serious condition from developing, it’s important to get immediate treatment for ventricular tachycardia.

As one of his key treatment areas, Dr Ajita Kanthan has been improving the quality of life for many people suffering from ventricular tachycardia. If you have been diagnosed with VT or are experiencing regular lightheadedness, dizziness and fainting, get in contact with Dr Kanthan today for more information about ventricular tachycardia treatment and more.

FAQs

What is venticular tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a heart rhythm disorder that is caused by abnormal electrical signals in the lower chambers of the heart (known as the ventricles). Our heart rates are controlled by electrical impulses that cause our hearts to beat. When this happens too quickly in the ventricles, ventricular tachycardia can occur — causing your heart to beat without giving the ventricles enough time to fill with blood. As a result, your heart doesn’t pump enough blood to the rest of your body.

What causes ventricular tachycardia?

In most cases, ventricular tachycardia is caused by an existing heart condition such as cardiomyopathy, structural heart disease and ischemic heart disease. However, in certain cases, specific types of VT can be genetically inherited.

How is ventricular tachycardia treated?

There are 3 main ventricular tachycardia treatments and they depend on the cause and the severity of each case:

Ventricular tachycardia ablation — Using radiofrequency energy to create tiny scars on the heart, ventricular tachycardia ablation elimates the abnormal signals that cause the heart to beat too quickly.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) — Inserting a small battery-powered device called an ICD in your chest to monitor and correct ventricular tachycardia when it happens.

Medication — There are a number of antiarrhythmic medications that can be administered to prevent ventricular tachycardia.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of ventricular tachycardia?

Most people living with ventricular tachycardia will have symptoms. Common symptoms of ventricular tachycardia can include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath.

Is ventricular tachycardia genetic?

Certain types of ventricular tachycardia are genetic, such as those due to long QT syndrome, cardiomyopathy or catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). If your family has a history of these type of VT, it is worth getting tested by a cardiologist.

What ventricular tachycardia treatment options does Dr Ajita Kanthan offer in Sydney?

As a pioneer of radiation-free procedural techniques, Dr Ajita Kanthan performs radiation-free ventricular tachycardia ablations as well as ventricular tachycardia surgery to insert defibrillators that manage various cases of VT.

The ideal treatment for ventricular tachycardia is completely dependent on each unique case and will be specifically tailored by Dr Ajita Kanthan to manage your symptoms and requirements. For more information, contact us today.