Two life threatening arrhythmias are ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF).
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by a rapid heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute. It occurs when abnormal electrical signals originate in the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. VT can cause the heart to beat so fast that it does not have enough time to fill with blood before it contracts. This can lead to symptoms such as lightheadedness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. In some cases, VT can lead to cardiac arrest.
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is an even more serious arrhythmia characterized by rapid, chaotic electrical signals in the ventricles. VF causes the heart to quiver instead of pumping blood, and it can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. If a person with VF does not receive prompt medical attention, they can die very quickly.
Both VT and VF can be caused by a variety of conditions, including structural heart diseases, electrolyte imbalances, and drug toxicity. Treatment for these arrhythmias typically involves the use of medications or electric shock (defibrillation). In some cases, further intervention may be necessary, such as the placement of an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD).
These arrhythmias can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, so it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms such as lightheadedness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.