Symptoms:

If the heart rate during a ventricular tachycardia episode is very fast or lasts longer than a few seconds, there may be symptoms such as:

• Chest discomfort (angina)
• Fainting (syncope)
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• Shortness of breath

Note: Symptoms may start and stop suddenly. In some cases, there are no symptoms.

Signs and tests:

Signs include:

• Absent pulse
• Loss of consciousness
• Normal or low blood pressure
• Rapid pulse

Ventricular tachycardia may be seen on:

• Continuous ambulatory electrocardiogram (Holter monitor)
• ECG
• Intracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS)
• Loop recorder

Blood chemistries and other tests may be done.