What is torsades ventricular tachycardia?

Torsades de Pointes is a specific type of ventricular tachycardia, which is a rapid heart rate originating in the ventricles of the heart. It is characterized by a unique pattern on an electrocardiogram (ECG) where the heart's rhythm appears to "twist" around the baseline, resembling the points on a fencing sword. This condition is often associated with a heart rate of over 200 beats per minute and can lead to a sudden loss of consciousness due to its potential to deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation or asystole, both of which can be life-threatening. Torsades de Pointes is typically triggered by a prolonged QT interval on the ECG, which is a measure of the time between the start of the Q wave and the end of the T wave. A prolonged QT interval can be congenital (inherited) or acquired due to certain medications, electrolyte imbalances (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium), or other conditions. Treatment for Torsades de Pointes may include the administration of magnesium, overdrive pacing to stabilize the heart rhythm, and correction of any underlying causes, such as electrolyte imbalances. In some cases, medications known to prolong the QT interval may need to be discontinued.

Torsades de pointes (TdP) is a specific form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia occurring in the context of QT prolongation; it has a characteristic morphology in which the QRS complexes ��twist�� around the isoelectric line. For TdP to be diagnosed, the patient has to have evidence of both PVT and QT prolongation.