When it comes to heart health, there are a lot of terms and conditions that can be confusing for the average person. One of the most common heart conditions is called ventricular tachycardia. This condition is characterized by an irregular heartbeat that originates in the heart’s ventricles or lower chambers.
A variety of factors can cause ventricular tachycardia. While ventricular tachycardia is not fatal, it can lead to serious complications like stroke or sudden cardiac death if left untreated. People with ventricular tachycardia may not have any symptoms or experience only mild symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat.
However, in some cases, symptoms of ventricular tachycardia include lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. Individuals who experience any of these symptoms must seek medical attention immediately as they could indicate a more serious problem.
Several risk factors for ventricular tachycardia include age, family history, smoking, obesity, and previous heart conditions. Fortunately, there are also several treatments available for ventricular tachycardia. Common treatments include medication, cardioversion, and ablation. Here are some of the common causes of ventricular tachycardia.
Prior Heart Attack
Although ventricular tachycardia can occur in otherwise healthy people, those with prior heart surgery are at an increased risk for developing this condition. There are several ways in which prior heart surgery can increase one’s risk of developing ventricular tachycardia.
Surgical procedures on the heart can cause damage to the electrical system that controls the heart’s rhythm. This damage can lead to arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. In addition, scar tissue from prior heart surgery can interfere with the electrical signals that travel through the heart. This scar tissue can block or slow down these signals, which can cause the ventricles to beat too fast.
There are several things that can be done to prevent or treat ventricular tachycardia. It is important for individuals who have had prior heart surgery to follow up with their surgeon and cardiologist regularly. They should also report any changes in their symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
