What can ventricular tachycardia potentially lead to if not treated?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by an abnormal rapid heart rate originating from the ventricles. If not treated promptly, it can disrupt the normal electrical activity of the heart, which may lead to ventricular fibrillation. In this disorganized electrical activity, the ventricles quiver ineffectively instead of contracting forcefully, resulting in a significant loss of cardiac output. This scenario can quickly lead to sudden cardiac death if emergency medical interventions are not initiated.

The progression from ventricular tachycardia to ventricular fibrillation is a critical concern, as this transition is often the cause of cardiac arrest, where the heart stops pumping blood effectively. Therefore, immediate medical attention is essential in cases of ventricular tachycardia to prevent this serious outcome. Treating VT can help to stabilize the heart's rhythm, thereby reducing the risk of progressing to ventricular fibrillation and subsequent cardiac death.