Clinical manifestations of ventricular arrhythmias

  Ventricular arrhythmias include ventricular precontraction, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular flutter, and ventricular fibrillation. The clinical presentation depends on the type of ventricular arrhythmia and the severity of the condition. If the ventricular asystole is only episodic, it is generally possible to have no symptoms of discomfort. Patients with frequent ventricular asystole may experience panic attacks, chest tightness, and other discomfort. However, if ventricular tachycardia occurs, the symptoms are often more severe and the patient may experience hypotension, shortness of breath, angina pectoris, decreased urine output, or even transient syncope. Ventricular fibrillation is the most serious type of ventricular arrhythmia. When this type of arrhythmia occurs, patients may suffer from convulsions, loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest, or even sudden cardiac arrest and death.  For episodic ventricular premature contractions, no specific treatment is often required, and patients are advised to have an ambulatory electrocardiogram to assess the overall 24-hour arrhythmia. In case of frequent ventricular premature beats, it is recommended to take oral mexiletine or cortisone, or to combine with some Chinese medicines for further improvement, such as heart stabilizing granules and ginseng heart capsules. For patients with frequent, paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia, high priority must be given to early intervention with antiarrhythmic drugs. When oral medications are not well controlled, they can be combined with sedative antiarrhythmic drugs. In addition to treatment, the cause of the arrhythmia should be identified and the primary disease should be treated in order to improve ventricular asystole.  Clinical causes of ventricular arrhythmias include cardiomyopathy, myocardial ischemia, ion disorders, thyroid abnormalities, anemia, etc.