This chapter is a brief introduction to the following three chapters on monomorphic and polymorphic ventricular tachycardias, torsade de pointes tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and the assessment of broad QRS complex tachycardias.
Ventricular tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia is defined as four or more ventricular ectopic beats in rapid succession (Figure 11.1). Ventricular tachycardias vary in rate, duration and frequency of recurrence. The consequences also vary: severe hypotension or ventricular fibrillation may result, whereas some patients tolerate ventricular tachycardia with few or no symptoms.
Monomorphic and polymorphic
There are two main types of ventricular tachycardia: monomorphic and polymorphic. The latter is also termed ‘multiform’.
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