What is the defining characteristic of ventricular tachycardia?

The defining characteristic of ventricular tachycardia is the presence of three or more successive ventricular complexes that exhibit a rate between 100 and 250 beats per minute. This arrhythmia originates from abnormal electrical activity in the ventricles, leading to a rapid heart rate and potentially compromising the heart's ability to effectively pump blood.

The distinction of three or more consecutive beats is crucial in diagnosing ventricular tachycardia, as it confirms the presence of a sustained tachyarrhythmia rather than just isolated or occasional beats. The specified heart rate range emphasizes the rapid nature of this condition, which can be life-threatening due to the risk of impaired cardiac output and subsequent hemodynamic instability.

Understanding the nature of ventricular tachycardia is critical for appropriate clinical management, as it may require urgent interventions such as medication or electrical cardioversion to restore a normal rhythm and stabilize the patient.