What is Ventricular Tachycardia?
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a type of arrhythmia in which an electrical signal is sent from the ventricles at a very fast, but often regular, rate. If the heart rate is sustained at a high rate for more than 30 seconds, then VT is a potentially life-threatening condition. Cardiac arrest may occur. A person in VT may require an electric shock or medications to convert the arrhythmia back to normal sinus rhythm.
What are the symptoms of ventricular tachycardia?
If your heart rate during a ventricular tachycardia episode is extremely rapid or continues for several seconds, you may experience some or all of these symptoms.
- Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
- Mild chest pain
- Some difficulty breathing
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Fainting
How is ventricular tachycardia diagnosed?
There are several different types of procedures that may be used to diagnose VT:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An electrocardiogram is a measurement of the electrical activity of the heart. By placing electrodes at specific locations on the body (chest, arms, and legs), a graphic representation, or tracing, of the electrical activity can be obtained as the electrical activity is received and interpreted by an ECG machine. An ECG can indicate the presence of arrhythmias, damage to the heart caused by ischemia (lack of oxygen to the heart muscle) or myocardial infarction (MI, or heart attack), a problem with one or more of the heart valves, or other types of heart conditions.
There are several variations of the ECG test:
How is ventricular tachycardia treated?
The doctor will choose a treatment based on the severity of symptoms being experienced, and the presence of other conditions (such as, diabetes, kidney failure, or heart failure) which can affect the course of the treatment.
Watch animation of catheter ablation procedure
UAB Cardiovascular Institute delivers optimal patient care for heart rhythm disorders. You will be cared for by regional and world leaders in the treatment of heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia, and other heart rhythm abnormalities.
Our physicians evaluate the newest treatments and technologies and author professional publications that advance the field of arrhythmia treatment. Their extensive experience and academic backgrounds ensure that they are familiar with all types of heart rhythm disorders. Our academic medical center performs more than 600 heart rhythm-related procedures each year, and our success in treating all types of complex arrhythmias is well-documented. Our electrophysiologists have access to the UAB Cardiovascular Institute, one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast. It features the most advanced technology available, including four procedural suites dedicated to electrophysiology (the electrical signals in the heart). At UAB Medicine you are part of a program that carries out pioneering work in atrial fibrillation and advanced pacemaker and cardioverter defibrillator design.
Videos

Resources
Related Specialties
- Arrhythmia
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
- Heart Palpitations
- Premature Atrial Contractions
- Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
Clinical Trials
Speak to your physician about your options and browse the link below for more information
Latest News
View All News-
UAB researchers evaluate the efficacy of new cardiovascular disease risk equation in multiple studies
June 24, 2025
-
Voucher awards will accelerate spatial biology research
April 2, 2025
-
How to help children develop heart-healthy habits
February 27, 2025
-
“A blessing to be able to be here” — UAB employees provide fellow employee lifesaving care after cardiac arrest
February 11, 2025
-
Women’s heart health: Here is what you should know
February 3, 2025