What is defined as ventricular tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is characterized as a fast heart rhythm that originates from the ventricles, which are the lower chambers of the heart responsible for pumping blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. In VT, the electrical signals initiating the heartbeats arise from the ventricles rather than the typical pacing from the atria. This abnormal rhythm can result in a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute and can occur in various forms, including sustained and nonsustained episodes.

Understanding VT is crucial for cardiographic technicians, as it can lead to compromised cardiac output and may progress to more severe conditions, including ventricular fibrillation, if not managed appropriately. Recognizing the distinct characteristics of VT helps in timely diagnosis and intervention, which is essential in patient care.