Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

  • Overview
  • Symptoms
  • Appointments
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Locations
  • Resources
  • Doctors
  • Providers

    • What is ventricular tachycardia?

    Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid heart rate that originates in the lower chambers of the heart, or ventricles, due to a malfunction of the heart's electrical system. VT is defined by a pulse of more than 100 beats per minute with at least three irregular heartbeats in a row. The heart may beat inefficiently which can result in the body not receiving an adequate blood supply. VT can be harmless if it lasts only a few beats, but if it continues and is untreated, it can be life-threatening and cause sudden cardiac death.

    What are the causes of VT?

    Although VT can occur without heart disease, it is most common in people who have damage to their heart muscle (from a heart attack or other disease), which creates abnormal electrical pathways in the ventricles.

    Some forms of VT are inherited, including catecholaminergic polymorphic VT and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). Common risk factors include coronary artery disease, hardening or narrowing of the arteries which supply blood to the heart; family history of VT; and having had a previous heart attack.

    What are the symptoms of VT?

    Symptoms of VT can include a feeling of a racing heart or that the heart is going to burst, lightheadedness and fatigue, chest pain and anxiety. Treatments depend on the symptoms and underlying cause. VT can also occur without any symptoms.

    Appointment Information

    Call us at 888-287-1082 to schedule an appointment with a U-M Cardiovascular Center physician, get a prescription refill, or request to speak with your nurse or visit the Make a Cardiovascular Appointment page.

    How is VT diagnosed?

    Your doctor can diagnose VT by physical exam and certain tests:

    • An electrocardiogram (ECG), which will highlight any abnormalities
    • A transesophageal echocardiograph, in which a ultrasound probe is inserted in the esophagus to provide images as well as better sound
    • Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), which is an MRI scan of the heart

    How is VT treated?

    Treatments depend on the symptoms and underlying cause. They are aimed at immediately restoring a normal heart rhythm and preventing future episodes. In an emergency, treatments include CPR, electrical defibrillation, electric shock and medicine given intravenously.

    Locations
    • Cardiology Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
      Entrance 1, Level 2
      Brighton, MI 48116-9416       Get Directions
    • Cardiology Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Electrophysiology Services | Cardiovascular Center 1425 E Ann St
      Floor 3 Reception C
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5856       Get Directions

    Patient Resources

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Kelly Arps, MD

    Kelly Arps, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Michigan Photo

    Frank Matthias Bogun, MD

    Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Apurba Kent Chakrabarti, MD

    Apurba Kent Chakrabarti, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine

    Aman Chugh, MD

    Aman Chugh, MD

    Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Thomas Christopher Crawford, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Amrish Deshmukh, MD

    Amrish Deshmukh, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine

    Hamid Ghanbari, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Michael Ghannam, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Emma Hegwood, DO

    Emma Hegwood, DO

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine

    Krit Jongnarangsin, MD

    Krit Jongnarangsin, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

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    Providers

     Search for a U-M Health provider     Caitlin Sommer Boyak, NP

    Caitlin Sommer Boyak, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner

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    Mellissa Katrin Brieger, PA-C

    Physician Assistant

    Physician Assistant

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    Erin Christine Judge, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner

    Caroline Michelle Lawson, NP

    Caroline Michelle Lawson, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner

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    Tiffany Lee Luke, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner

    Nimita Mahadev Mehta, NP

    Nimita Mahadev Mehta, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner

    White labcoat with the University of Michigan Health logo.

    Theresa Maureen Montney-Dowell, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner

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    Eryn Kyle Smith, PA-C

    Physician Assistant

    Physician Assistant

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    Meredith Victoria Smith, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner

    White labcoat with the University of Michigan Health logo.

    Patricia Anselmo Sovitch, NP

    Advanced Practice Nurse

    Nurse Practitioner

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