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Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

  • Sustained VT
    • Rate > 120-130
    • Lasts at least 30 seconds OR produces HD instability
    • Treatment = meds or shock
  • Non-sustained VT
    • Rate > 120-130
    • Lasts < 30 seconds and pt is HD stable
    • Needs evaluation for ischemia
    • Treatment = look for and treat the underlying cause
      • Empiric antiarrhythmics - not recommended
      • Empiric Mg2+, Beta blockers 

References

Katritsis DG, Zareba W, Camm AJ. Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. J Am Coll Cardiol 2012;60(20):1993–2004. Pubmed Link.