Understanding Ventricular Tachycardia
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) is a type of arrhythmia that can be triggered by long QT syndrome. This condition is characterized by a significantly rapid and abnormal heart rate originating from the lower chambers of the heart. Specifically, VT is defined as a heart rate of 100 beats per minute or faster for a continuous duration of more than three beats. While sustained VT lasts longer than 30 seconds, even a few seconds of this condition can pose a life-threatening risk.
Due to the accelerated pace of the ventricles during VT, they are unable to refill with an adequate amount of blood before each contraction. Consequently, this impaired circulation affects the entire body and can have severe implications.
Ventricular Fibrillation: A Life-Threatening Arrhythmia
Ventricular fibrillation, the most serious type of arrhythmia, can be caused by Long QT syndrome. This medical emergency occurs when the electrical activity in the ventricles becomes completely disordered. Instead of beating normally, the ventricles quiver in an ineffective manner, leading to the heart’s inability to pump blood to the body. The rapid onset of ventricular fibrillation can quickly result in cardiac arrest.