What is the difference between ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation?

Hello, I'm a medical professional with a strong background in cardiology. I can help explain the differences between ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) is a type of abnormal heart rhythm that originates in one of the ventricles (the lower chambers) of the heart. During VT, the heart beats very fast, often between 100 and 250 beats per minute. This rapid rate can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood to the body, which can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or even cardiac arrest if not treated promptly. Ventricular Fibrillation (VF), on the other hand, is a life-threatening cardiac emergency. It is characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles, which causes the heart to quiver instead of pumping blood effectively. This can lead to sudden cardiac death because the heart is unable to maintain a regular rhythm or effectively circulate blood. The key differences between the two conditions are: 1. Rate of Heartbeats: VT has a rapid but coordinated heartbeat, while VF is marked by an extremely rapid and disorganized heartbeat. 2. Symptoms: VT may cause symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain, whereas VF typically results in sudden loss of consciousness and requires immediate medical attention. 3. Treatment: VT may be treated with medications, cardioversion (electrical shock to the heart), or an implantable defibrillator, while VF is a medical emergency that requires immediate defibrillation.

Ventricular tachycardia is a fast but regular rhythm. It can lead to ventricular fibrillation, which is fast and irregular. With ventricular fibrillation, the heartbeats are so fast and irregular that the heart stops pumping blood. ... Ventricular fibrillation is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death.