What is a rapid heart rhythm at a rate of 150 to 200 beats/min that originates in the ventricles?

Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by a rapid heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles, producing a heart rate typically ranging from 150 to 200 beats per minute. This condition arises when abnormal electrical signals in the ventricles cause them to beat quickly and inefficiently, which can lead to inadequate blood flow to the body. It is vital to differentiate it from other arrhythmias; for example, ventricular fibrillation is a chaotic and ineffective rhythm that can lead to cardiac arrest, while atrial fibrillation originates in the atria and results in a disorganized electrical activity that does not fit the rate criteria given. Asystole refers to a complete cessation of all electrical activity in the heart. Understanding these distinctions is critical for diagnosis and treatment in cardiology.