ECG Basics & Fundamentals: cardiac rhythm strips and how to identify the three main types of ventricular tachycardia

ECG Weekly Workout with Dr. Amal Mattu


HPI

A 58-year-old woman with PMHx of HTN and polysubstance abuse presents to the ED after a syncopal episode. She has been having nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. She is noted to have a run of ventricular tachycardia on the monitor with associated lightheadedness (see monitor strip during episode below).  The following ECG is obtained after the episode:

Before watching this week’s video, ask yourself these questions:

  1. What ECG abnormalities do you notice on the monitor strip and ECG?
  2. What is the rhythm and most likely cause?
  3. How would you manage this patient?