Ventricular Tachycardia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Ventricular Tachycardia?
A cardiologist, a doctor who treats heart problems, usually manages ventricular tachycardia over time. When an episode is an emergency, paramedics and emergency room doctors treat it first. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is ventricular tachycardia?
Ventricular tachycardia, or VT, is a rapid heartbeat that starts in the lower chambers of the heart. These chambers are called the ventricles. VT is a pulse of more than 100 beats per minute, with at least 3 abnormal rapid heartbeats in a row. It can be deadly.
Symptoms
You may have symptoms if the heart rate during VT is very fast or lasts longer than a few seconds. Symptoms may include:
- Chest discomfort.
- Fainting.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Palpitations, which means feeling your heart beat.
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
Symptoms may start and stop suddenly. Some people have no symptoms.
Causes and who gets it
VT can develop as an early or late complication of a heart attack. Scar tissue can form in the heart muscle days, months, or years after a heart attack, and this can lead to VT. VT may also occur in people with:
- Cardiomyopathy.
- Heart failure.
- Heart surgery.
- Myocarditis.
- Valvular heart disease.
VT can also be caused by medicines used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm, changes in blood chemistry such as a low potassium level, changes in blood pH, or a lack of enough oxygen. VT can also occur without other heart disease.
How doctors diagnose it
The health care provider looks for an absent pulse, loss of consciousness, normal or low blood pressure, and a rapid pulse. Tests that may be used include:
- An electrocardiogram, or ECG, which records your heart's electrical activity.
- A Holter monitor, which records your heart rhythm while you do your normal activities.
- An electrophysiology study, which measures the electrical activity of your heart.
- Rhythm monitoring with a loop recorder or device.
Other tests can help find the cause. These can include blood tests, heart imaging tests such as a cardiac MRI or a CT scan, and genetic testing.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the symptoms and the type of heart disorder. If someone with VT is in distress, they may need CPR, cardioversion (an electric shock), or medicines given through a vein. Cardioversion uses electric shocks from outside the body to restore a normal heart rhythm. It is called defibrillation when it is done in an emergency to prevent death.
After an episode, steps are taken to prevent more episodes. Medicines taken by mouth may be needed for long-term treatment. However, these medicines may have severe side effects. They are being used less often as other treatments are developed. Medicines used to treat a fast heartbeat include beta blockers.
If medicines do not treat an abnormal heartbeat well enough, you may need a procedure or a device. Ablation is a procedure that destroys the heart tissue causing the abnormal heartbeat. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or ICD, may also be recommended. This implanted device detects a life-threatening rapid heartbeat and quickly sends a shock to bring the rhythm back to normal.
In some cases, VT cannot be prevented. In other cases, it can be prevented by treating heart problems and avoiding certain medicines.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, fainting, or a rapid, irregular pulse. Fainting, chest pain, and a rapid, irregular pulse can all be signs of VT.
If someone faints or is unconscious, call 911 right away. Start CPR if it is needed and you know how.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can review your heart risks, help you keep up with medicines and follow-up visits, and refer you to a cardiologist. They cannot treat an emergency episode of VT.
Common questions
Is ventricular tachycardia dangerous?
It can be. VT may not cause symptoms in some people, but it can be deadly. It is a major cause of sudden cardiac death.
When should I go to the emergency room for ventricular tachycardia?
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have a rapid, irregular pulse, faint, or have chest pain. All of these may be signs of VT.
How is ventricular tachycardia treated?
Treatment depends on the symptoms and the type of heart disorder. A person in distress may need CPR, an electric shock to the heart, or medicines through a vein. Later, doctors may use medicines, ablation, or an ICD to prevent more episodes.
Can ventricular tachycardia cause cardiac arrest?
Yes, it can. VT is a major cause of sudden cardiac death. Fast, irregular beats in the lower chambers of the heart can threaten to cause, or actually cause, cardiac arrest.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
