Mechanism of Torsade de Pointes Ventricular Tachycardia
Abstract：Torsade de pointes (TdP) is not uncommon in clinical practice, usually with acute onset, severe symptoms, and often accompanied by hemodynamic instability. If not treated promptly, it can progress to ventricular fibrillation or even sudden death [1]. The most common cause of TdP is the use of drugs that prolong the action potential duration (APD) and/or patients with long QT interval syndrome, which can be triggered under conditions such as myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, or severe electrolyte disturbances [2]. Its electrocardiographic characteristics include a main wave that continuously twists around the baseline, typically lasting 5-20 consecutive main waves before reversing direction, with a ventricular rate usually between 200-250 beats per minute, and prolonged QT interval with prominent U waves. Although there are many studies on the mechanism of TdP, there is still considerable controversy [3]. This review proposes a possible mechanism of TdP through analysis of cardiac electrophysiology.
Keywords：tachycardiaventricularmyocytesheartarrhythmiacardiac
Publication Date：2025-04-15
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：3( 530-532 )