Final answer:
Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia is a type of heart arrhythmia that affects the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles), characterized by a high, regular heart rate, and falls under the broader category of tachycardias. It can lead to symptoms such as dizziness or chest pain, and is treated based on its cause and severity.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia?
Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia is a type of heart arrhythmia that specifically affects the ventricles – the lower chambers of the heart. It is characterized by a regular and rapid heart rate that exceeds 100 beats per minute when the individual is at rest. This condition falls under the broader category of tachycardias, which are abnormal heart rhythms where the heart rate is too fast. Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia manifests with a regular rhythm but at a high rate, which differentiates it from other types of ventricular tachycardias that may have an irregular rhythm.
In terms of symptoms and risks, patients with Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia can experience dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or even fainting. In this condition, all the beats appear similar in shape on an electrocardiogram (ECG), which captures the electrical activity of the heart. This abnormal rhythm can be concerning as it may compromise the heart's ability to pump blood effectively and could potentially lead to more serious conditions such as ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Treatments may include medication, cardioverter defibrillators, catheter ablation, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the arrhythmia.