I47: Paroxysmal tachycardia

I47.2: Ventricular tachycardia

The heart pumps blood through the body. Inside the heart are 4 chambers. There are 2 heart atria and 2 ventricles. Both heart atria and both ventricles are separated from each other by a partition.

The heart's electrical activity causes the heart muscle to contract. It begins at a site in your right atrium. Initially the electrical activity spreads to both atria. The electrical activity then flows on via a sort of cable to the ventricles.

Your fast heartbeat has its origin in the ventricles. When the fast heartbeat has its origin in the ventricles, the ventricles beat too quickly regardless of the site in the right atrium.

A fast heartbeat may be perceived as a skipped heartbeat or as palpitations. You may have chest pain. You may also feel dizzy or pass out.