Wide Complex Tachycardia
In up to 80% of cases, it is so-called ventricular arrhythmias, which are serious conditions where abnormal generation and circulation of electrical impulses occur in the heart's ventricles.
What is wide-complex tachycardia?
Wide-complex tachycardia gets its name from the wide complex on the ECG recording. It is a phenomenon in which the muscle tissue of the heart's ventricles is activated abnormally. It is up to the doctor to determine whether the origin of the wide complex is in the atria of the heart, in which case it is relatively benign, or whether the primary cause of the wide complex is in the ventricles (more common) and may be a serious finding – so-called ventricular arrhythmia.
What causes wide-complex tachycardia?
In up to 80% of cases, it is so-called ventricular arrhythmias, which are serious conditions where abnormal generation and circulation of electrical impulses occur in the heart's ventricles. If there is known heart disease (e.g., scar from a myocardial infarction, heart failure, etc.), the probability that it is a ventricular arrhythmia is over 90%. Less often, it is benign rhythm disorders (various types of atrial arrhythmias) that are masked by the wide complex, which is not always easy to detect.
What are the risks of wide-complex tachycardia?
Since most cases are ventricular arrhythmias, individual cases must be assessed, taking into account the clinical condition, symptoms, and duration. Ventricular arrhythmias can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death and should not be underestimated, especially if the person is already being treated for heart disease and is aware of the problem.
What is the treatment for wide-complex tachycardia?
Treatment is strictly individual depending on the specific rhythm disorder, whether the patient has other heart diseases, a family history of sudden cardiac death, etc. In some cases, implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator is considered.
What should I do if I am diagnosed with wide-complex tachycardia?
The finding of wide-complex tachycardia should always be promptly consulted with the treating physician, preferably a cardiologist. The physician will determine the specific rhythm disorder and propose further solutions. If the fast heart rate persists outside of the measurement or if the patient has subjective difficulties, they should be promptly examined by a doctor.
If you feel unwell in any way, consider consulting a doctor immediately, regardless of the MyKARDI measurement results. An ECG recording from the chest strap cannot detect a myocardial infarction or generally deteriorating blood supply to the heart. A negative finding does not indicate the reason for any chest pain.
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