The human body is made up of numerous tissues, organs, trillions and millions of cells, and many other components. Different body organs perform different functions and help in proper functioning.
The brain controls the overall activity of the body, the nervous system controls all the sensory activity of the body, and the heart helps pump pure blood and transfer it into every part. Any dysfunction or disorder results in the improper functioning of the body part.
Key Takeaways
- Ventricular Tachycardia is a rapid heart rhythm that starts in the ventricles, while Ventricular Fibrillation is a disorganized electrical activity in the heart.
- Ventricular Tachycardia can last longer than Ventricular Fibrillation.
- Ventricular Fibrillation is more severe and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach) vs Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib)
V-tach is a rapid heart rhythm that can be sustained or nonsustained, and can cause symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. V-fib is a chaotic and irregular heart rhythm that can prevent blood from being pumped effectively, leading to cardiac arrest and sudden death.
Ventricular Tachycardia is also known as short-term V-tach or VT. It is a heart disorder related to the heart’s irregular beating, also known as ‘arrhythmia’.
The ventricle of the heart receives irregular heart impulses, which result in an irregular heartbeat of the body. Eventually, the heart beats at a normal pace of 60 to 100 times in 1 minute, but because of the disorder, the human heart starts beating at a pace of 100 times and more in a minute, and due to this, the ventricles is not able to fill the chamber with blood.
Ventricular Fibrillation is also known as the convenient short-term (V-fib). It is also one of the heart disorders related to the irregular beating of the heart.
In medical terms, this disorder of irregular heartbeat is known as ‘arrhythmia’. In this disorder, the heart’s lower chambers (or the ventricles) beats unnecessarily, resulting in the improper pumping of blood to other parts of the body.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach) | Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Heartbeat is abnormal but in regular intervals | Heartbeat is abnormal with irregular intervals |
| Symptoms | Stress, anxiety, palpitations, flopping in the chest, fainting, and many others | Fainting, low blood pressure, nausea, chest pain, and many others |
| QRS Complex | Regular | Irregular or not visible |
| Treatment | Cardioversion, anti-arrhythmic drugs, and many other | CPR, AED, arrhythmia medications |
| Frequency | Approximate 7% of people results in cardiac arrest | Approximate 10% of people result in cardiac arrest |
| Heartbeat per minute | 200 beats | 300-350 beats |
| Diagnosis | ECG, MRI, and transoesophageal echocardiography | ECG, Blood tests, MRI, CT scan, Chest X-ray, Angiogram, and Echocardiogram |
| Appearance | Narrow complex | It can’t be differentiated further |
What is Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach)?
Ventricular Tachycardia is a heart condition in which the heart of the individual beats abnormally. And this abnormality of the heart leads the heart’s lower chambers (the ventricles) not to fill the blood in their respective chambers.
In medical terms, the irregular beating of the heart is known as ‘arrhythmia’ or ‘dysrhythmia’. A healthy human heart will beat around 60 to 100 times within a minute or, on average, 72 times.
But in this condition, the capacity of the heartbeat grows up to 100 times to more than it. Thus, the irregularity or chaos leads to the insufficient blood supply to other body parts.
Some of the major symptoms of the disorder are – the uneven increase in stress level, anxiety, faintness, flopping chest pain, palpitations, etc. The disorder is not normally diagnosed because even in the ECG, the QRS Complex seems to be normal.
Although there are other methods of diagnosis, they are MRI and Transoesophageal echocardiography.
What is Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib)?
Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib) is a heart condition in which the heart receives abnormal signals leading to the abnormal behaviour of the heart’s lower chamber. The lower chambers or the ventricles beat unnecessarily, and this activity results in the insufficient pumping of the blood to different other body parts.
This condition requires immediate attention because it is one of the reasons for major cardiac arrests suffered by individuals. The common symptoms shown by the body for the disorder are – fainting, low blood pressure, nausea, chest pain, and many others.
The condition requires immediate first aid or treatment by the Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique. The other treatment for the condition is the AED – Automated External Defibrillator and Arrhythmia medications.
Main Differences Between Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach) and Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib)
- Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach) is the disorder in which the heartbeat of the individual is abnormal but occurs at regular intervals, whereas comparatively, on the other hand, Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib) is the disorder in which the heartbeat of the individual is abnormal with abnormality in the interval.
- Some of the symptoms of Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach) are – stress, anxiety, palpitations, flopping in the chest, fainting, and many others, whereas comparatively, on the other hand, some of the symptoms of Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib) are – fainting, low blood pressure, nausea, chest pain, and many others.
- The QRS complex of Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach) appears to be normal or regular, whereas comparatively, on the other hand, the QRS complex of Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib) appears to be irregular or not visible.
- Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach) can be treated by cardioversion, anti-arrhythmic drugs, and many other medications and processes, whereas comparatively, on the other hand, Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib) can be treated by CPR, AED, arrhythmia medications, and many other medications and processes.
- The frequency of cardiac arrest suffered by the individual is 7%, whereas comparatively, the frequency of cardiac arrest suffered by the individual is 10%.
- In Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach), the heart beats around 200 times within a minute, whereas comparatively, on the other hand, during Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib), the heart beats around 300-350 times within a minute.
- ECG and MRI can diagnose Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach) condition, and transoesophageal echocardiography, whereas comparatively, on the other hand, Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib) condition can be diagnosed by ECG, Blood tests, MRI, CT scan, Chest X-ray, Angiogram, and Echocardiogram.
- Ventricular Tachycardia is narrow and complex, whereas comparatively, on the other hand, Ventricular Fibrillation cannot be distinguished any further.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/754554
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/376752
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7897292
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0002870383905148
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The comparison table provides a succinct yet comprehensive overview of the distinctions between Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation. It’s a valuable tool for understanding the contrasting features of these heart conditions.
Indeed, Leo94. The side-by-side comparison in the table is a helpful resource for anyone looking to differentiate between Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation. It simplifies the complexities of these disorders.
I agree, Leo94. The clarity and precision of the comparison table make it easier for readers to grasp the key differences between Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation.
Although the article is well-written and informative, it might be beneficial to include more information on the causes and risk factors associated with Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of these conditions.
I see your point, Joel79. More details on the causes and risk factors would enhance the article’s completeness. It’s an important aspect to consider for a holistic understanding of these heart disorders.
The depth of detail in this article is truly commendable. It offers a wealth of information on Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation, catering to both medical professionals and individuals seeking to expand their knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias.
I share your sentiment, Tony Stevens. The comprehensive nature of the article positions it as a valuable resource for understanding and addressing heart disorders, contributing to the advancement of medical literacy.
This article provides a comprehensive understanding of Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation, making it easier for readers to recognize the symptoms and appropriate treatments for these conditions. The in-depth comparison table is particularly useful for differentiating between the two.
I completely agree with you, Hharrison. The article’s clarity in explaining complex medical conditions is commendable. It’s a great resource for anyone seeking to understand these heart disorders.
The article effectively highlights the severity of Ventricular Fibrillation, emphasizing the importance of immediate treatment. It’s an eye-opening read for those hoping to grasp the urgency of addressing cardiac arrhythmias.
I couldn’t agree more, Ybaker. This article effectively communicates the critical need for prompt treatment in cases of Ventricular Fibrillation, shedding light on the potential consequences of delayed intervention.
Absolutely, Ybaker. The portrayal of the life-threatening nature of Ventricular Fibrillation can serve as a wakeup call for individuals to prioritize their heart health.
The article manages to present complex medical concepts in an accessible manner, ensuring that readers can engage with the content regardless of their prior knowledge. It’s a testament to the author’s ability to communicate intricate topics effectively.
Absolutely, Harley93. The clarity and accessibility of the article provide a learning platform for readers from various backgrounds. It’s a testament to the effectiveness of science communication.
I couldn’t agree more, Harley93. The article’s ability to make complex medical information approachable is a significant achievement, fostering an inclusive environment for learning about heart disorders.
This article goes beyond the clinical definitions of Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation, delving into the practical implications of these heart disorders. It’s an insightful piece that bridges medical knowledge with real-world impact.
You’re absolutely right, Dylan19. The article’s ability to connect medical concepts with tangible effects on individuals elevates its value in conveying the significance of addressing cardiac arrhythmias.
I couldn’t agree more, Dylan19. The holistic approach in discussing Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation sheds light on the broader implications of these heart conditions, emphasizing their relevance in clinical practice.
The explanations of Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation are clear and precise. This article serves as an educational tool for those seeking to understand the complexities of cardiac arrhythmias.