About this topic
Ventricular tachycardia is also called V-tach. It is a very fast heartbeat that starts in the lower chambers of the heart. These are the ventricles. Your normal heartbeat will depend on your age and physical condition. With V-tach, your heart may beat 170 or more times each minute. When your heart beats too fast, it cannot pump blood to the rest of your body. V-tach is caused by problems in the hearts electrical system. This problem is often caused by some other heart problem. There may be problems with the heart valves or the blood vessels that go to the heart. High blood pressure may also be a cause of this problem. Some people develop V-tach after a heart attack or heart surgery due to scar tissue in the heart. ‚
Your doctor will look for why you are having problems with V-tach and decide the best treatment for you. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Be sure your doctor knows about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy.
- Ask your doctor if you need to learn how to check your heart rate.
- Talk to your doctor about when it is safe for you to go back to your normal activities like driving and work.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor will ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You doctor may have you go see a specialist. You may need to see a heart doctor called a cardiologist. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with swelling
- Control your heartbeat
- Control high blood pressure
- Fix electrolytes
- Manage your cholesterol
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activities may be limited if you have shortness of breath and weakness. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Exercise may help keep your heart as healthy as possible. Always talk with your doctor before you start any exercise program. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. This means: ‚
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen is best.
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low-fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid caffeine.
- If you need help, ask to see a dietitian.
What problems could happen?
- Other very serious heart rhythms
- Sudden death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Stay active. Do 30 minutes of exercise each day.
- Stop smoking.
- Learn how to manage your stress.
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Weak pulse
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/Tachycardia-Fast-Heart-Rate_UCM_302018_Article.jsp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚