Which rhythm originates in the ventricles and can lead to cardiac arrest?

Which rhythm originates in the ventricles and can lead to cardiac arrest?

• A. Ventricular fibrillation
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Supraventricular tachycardia
• D. Ventricular tachycardia

Answer: (D)

The key idea is recognizing where the abnormal heartbeat starts and how dangerous it is if it stays fast. Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid rhythm that begins in the ventricles. Because the ventricles are beating so fast, they don’t fill or pump effectively, so blood pressure and blood flow to vital organs drop. That can quickly lead to fainting, collapse, or progress to a life-threatening situation if not treated, i.e., it can cause cardiac arrest. In contrast, rhythms that originate in the atria (like atrial fibrillation) or above the ventricles (supraventricular tachycardia) start outside the ventricles, so they don’t fit the “originates in the ventricles” criterion. Ventricular fibrillation also starts in the ventricles, but it is the chaotic, uncoordinated rhythm that constitutes the arrest itself, whereas ventricular tachycardia is the rapid rhythm that can deteriorate into arrest if not managed.

The key idea is recognizing where the abnormal heartbeat starts and how dangerous it is if it stays fast. Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid rhythm that begins in the ventricles. Because the ventricles are beating so fast, they don’t fill or pump effectively, so blood pressure and blood flow to vital organs drop. That can quickly lead to fainting, collapse, or progress to a life-threatening situation if not treated, i.e., it can cause cardiac arrest.

In contrast, rhythms that originate in the atria (like atrial fibrillation) or above the ventricles (supraventricular tachycardia) start outside the ventricles, so they don’t fit the “originates in the ventricles” criterion. Ventricular fibrillation also starts in the ventricles, but it is the chaotic, uncoordinated rhythm that constitutes the arrest itself, whereas ventricular tachycardia is the rapid rhythm that can deteriorate into arrest if not managed.