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What are Ventricular Arrhythmias?There are two types of ventricular arrhythmias- ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). In ventricular tachycardia the bottom parts of the heart (the ventricles) are beating very fast. You may not be able to feel a pulse because the heart does not pump blood well at fast rates, especially when only the lower chamber is beating. If not treated, ventricular tachycardia may go into what is known as ventricular fibrillation. VF can also occur by itself. In VF, the bottom chambers (the ventricles) "quiver" or "twitch". The heart does not pump blood to the body. You will not be able to feel a pulse. |
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What Causes These Arrhythmias?Many times, it may not be possible to find a cause. These are some possible causes:Some types of heart disease Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, diet pills, or certain prescribed and over-the-counter medications (check with your doctor) Occasionally after open heart surgery |
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What Could Happen if Left Untreated?Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation are both serious arrhythmias, and need to be treated immediately |
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