What describes monomorphic ventricular tachycardia?

What describes monomorphic ventricular tachycardia?

• A. Wide QRS complexes of similar shape
• B. Beats that vary in amplitude over time
• C. Presence of distinct P waves
• D. Heart rate below 60 bpm

Answer: (A)

Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia is characterized by wide QRS complexes that have a consistent shape and morphology. This means that the QRS complexes appear similar in appearance with minimal variation throughout the episode of tachycardia. This uniformity indicates that the ectopic focus responsible for the tachycardia is likely originating from a single location in the ventricle, which contributes to the uniformity of the electrical impulses being generated. In contrast, the other options describe different types of cardiac rhythms or characteristics. Variations in amplitude over time would suggest a more chaotic or irregular rhythm, typically associated with other arrhythmias such as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. The presence of distinct P waves indicates atrial activity, which would not occur in a pure ventricular tachycardia. Lastly, a heart rate below 60 bpm is indicative of bradycardia, not tachycardia, which inherently involves an accelerated heart rate typically greater than 100 bpm.

Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia is characterized by wide QRS complexes that have a consistent shape and morphology. This means that the QRS complexes appear similar in appearance with minimal variation throughout the episode of tachycardia. This uniformity indicates that the ectopic focus responsible for the tachycardia is likely originating from a single location in the ventricle, which contributes to the uniformity of the electrical impulses being generated.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of cardiac rhythms or characteristics. Variations in amplitude over time would suggest a more chaotic or irregular rhythm, typically associated with other arrhythmias such as polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. The presence of distinct P waves indicates atrial activity, which would not occur in a pure ventricular tachycardia. Lastly, a heart rate below 60 bpm is indicative of bradycardia, not tachycardia, which inherently involves an accelerated heart rate typically greater than 100 bpm.