Types of Ventricular Tachycardia

VT is categorized in several different ways: ​

1. Cardiac Function​
2. Morphology ​
3. Duration ​

Let's review each one. 

​Types of VT: Cardiac Function​

Cardiac Function in VT is categorized by the presence or absence of a PULSE:​

1. VT with pulse ​
2. Pulseless VT (pVT)

Types of VT: Morphology ​

• Morphology in VT is categorized by QRS complexes:​

1)  Monomorphic VT = All QRS complexes have the same morphology​

   --Can be further stratified into different types based on their morphology (ex. LBBB appearance)

2) Polymorphic VT = QRS complexes have different morphologies

*Note that either type may or may not have an associated pulse

Types of VT: Duration​

Duration in VT is categorized by the following:​

1. Non-sustained VT = Lasts <30 seconds and does not cause hemodynamic compromise​
2. Sustained VT = Lasts > 30 seconds or causes hemodynamic compromise within 30 seconds​

For example:​

A pulseless patient whom you have been in contact with for >30 seconds in monomorphic VT at a rate of ~220 would be described as:​

"Sustained monomorphic pulseless VT at a rate of 220"

Summary​

• VT can be described by​
  • Presence or absence of pulse​
  • Morphology: Mono- or polymorphic​
  • Duration: Sustained >30 seconds or non-sustained <30 seconds​

To Review: ​

• Ventricular Tachycardia is a pathologic condition wherein the ventricle produces a fast, often poorly functional rhythm. ​
• It may or may not generate sufficient cardiac output to generate a pulse

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