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CHAPTER 33

Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia and Torsade de Pointes

Objectives

At the end of this chapter, the student should be able to:

1. Define polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VTach), and list the diagnostic criteria of this rhythm. (pp 532–533)
2. Define torsade de pointes, and list the diagnostic criteria of this rhythm. (p 533)
3. List the one characteristic that separates polymorphic VTach and torsade de pointes. (p 533)
4. Compare polymorphic VTach to torsade de pointes. (pp 533–534)
5. Describe how the QTc is calculated and discuss the clinical importance of this measurement. (p 534)
6. List some clinical conditions or circumstances that are associated with the formation of a polymorphic VTach and torsade de pointes. (pp 537–539)
7. Accurately identify polymorphic VTach and torsade de pointes on a rhythm strip or ECG. (pp 539–541)