What heart rate indicates ventricular tachycardia (VT)?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is characterized by a heart rate that exceeds 100 beats per minute. This arrhythmia arises from improper electrical signaling in the ventricles, leading the heart to beat rapidly, typically at rates ranging from 100 to 250 beats per minute.

A heart rate of 100 beats per minute or higher indicates a potentially serious condition that can lead to decreased cardiac output and may progress to more severe arrhythmias or cardiac arrest if not treated promptly. Recognizing this elevated heart rate as a sign of VT is critical in clinical settings, as it helps guide timely interventions to stabilize the patient's condition and prevent complications.

Understanding the defining characteristics of ventricular tachycardia is crucial for cardiovascular nurses, as it enables them to identify this life-threatening rhythm and to act swiftly in accordance with established protocols for management and treatment.