Which of the following defines ventricular tachycardia (V tach)?

• A. Three or more consecutive PVCs with heart rate exceeding 100 bpm
• B. Ventricular fibrillation
• C. Atrial fibrillation
• D. Sinus tachycardia

Answer: (A)

Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid rhythm that originates in the ventricles. It’s defined by three or more consecutive beats that come from ventricular tissue, with the rate typically exceeding 100 beats per minute. This pattern produces a wide, abnormal QRS complex and a sustained fast heart rhythm when it lasts for more than a brief moment. The description here matches that definition.

Why the other rhythms aren’t VT: ventricular fibrillation is chaotic and lacks a stable rate or proper QRS complexes; atrial fibrillation comes from the atria and causes an irregular rhythm starting above the ventricles; sinus tachycardia is a fast rhythm from the normal conduction pathway (SA node) with usually normal QRS and a different origin.