Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
Immediate priorities
Stabilization and early decisions
Hemodynamic stability status
Unstable features
Hypotension
Altered mental status
Ischemic chest discomfort
Acute heart failure
If unstable, synchronized cardioversion without delay (Class I)
Rhythm and pulse confirmation
Wide-complex tachycardia as VT until proven otherwise
If no pulse, treat as cardiac arrest
Defibrillation and CPR sequence per ACLS (Class I)
Monitoring and access
Cardiac monitor with defib pads in place
Continuous pulse oximetry
Noninvasive BP every 2-3 minutes
If shock or vasoactive infusions, arterial line when feasible
Two large-bore IV or IO access
Reversible causes search
4H 4T framework for arrest context
Hypoxia
Hypovolemia
Hydrogen ion excess
Hypo or hyperkalemia
Tension pneumothorax
Tamponade
Toxins
Thrombosis coronary
Thrombosis pulmonary
Rhythm classification
VT phenotypes guiding management
Monomorphic VT
Regular wide-complex tachycardia
Scar-related VT common with prior MI or cardiomyopathy
Polymorphic VT
Irregular varying QRS morphology
If prolonged QT, torsades de pointes pathway
VT with a pulse versus pulseless VT
Pulseless VT treated as VF pathway
VT with pulse treated by stability and morphology
Hemodynamic targets and escalation
Resuscitation targets
Perfusion markers
MAP goal at least 65 mmHg
Mental status and capillary refill trends
Oxygenation and ventilation
SpO2 goal 94-98%
Avoid hyperventilation in arrest
Escalation triggers
Recurrent VT or electrical storm
EP and ICU activation
Suspected acute coronary syndrome
Cath lab consultation pathway
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.