Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias

Similar to Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, ventricular tachyarrhymias come in a variety of forms but can be more dangerous.  Usually they are associated with a prior condition that has affected your heart, such as prior heart attack.  Sometimes, however, they can be caused by heart damage that has occurred due to alcohol, infections or other disease processes. 

On the less frequent side, they may be associated with heart conditions that people have been born with.  In either case, patients may experience similar symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or passing out.  The outcome we are most concerned about is something called sudden cardiac death.  This is a condition where the heart will enter a prolonged state of an abnormal heart rhythm that can be fatal if not quickly treated. 

Fortunately, there are management and treatment options available to patients that have either experienced such events or are at risk for having them.  These include medications, electrophysiology study and ablation or defibrillator implant.  Be sure to talk with your doctor about what options are right for you.