What type of arrhythmia is characterized by a ventricular rate of 150-250 bpm?

The type of arrhythmia characterized by a ventricular rate of 150-250 beats per minute is ventricular tachycardia (VT). This condition arises when the electrical signals in the ventricles of the heart become erratic and rapid, leading to a significant increase in heart rate. During ventricular tachycardia, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, which can reduce cardiac output and may result in serious complications, including loss of consciousness or even cardiac arrest.

In VT, the heart’s ventricles contract at a much higher rate than normal, which is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute for a resting adult. The rapid rate of 150-250 bpm is a defining characteristic of this arrhythmia, differentiating it from other types of arrhythmias, which may present with different rate ranges and underlying mechanisms.

This understanding of ventricular tachycardia is crucial for clinical diagnosis and management, as the condition often requires immediate medical intervention, particularly if it is sustained or associated with other symptoms such as chest pain or syncope.