What defines ventricular tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia is defined as a specific arrhythmia characterized by the presence of three or more consecutive premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) occurring at a rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. It typically arises from a single ectopic focus in the ventricles, leading to rapid and inefficient heartbeats, which can compromise cardiac output.

This definition is essential in clinical practice as it helps differentiate ventricular tachycardia from other arrhythmias. If only one or two PVCs are present, they do not meet the criteria for ventricular tachycardia. Thus, distinguishing between a few isolated PVCs and a sustained bout of ventricular tachycardia is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.

Recognizing this distinction allows healthcare providers to classify the rhythm properly and make informed decisions regarding patient care, including the potential need for antiarrhythmic medications or interventions such as cardioversion. Understanding the threshold of three or more PVCs as the cutoff for ventricular tachycardia is fundamental in emergency medicine and cardiology.