Ventricular tachycardia Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.
Answers to questions about ventricular tachycardia
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Can I drive if I have ventricular tachycardia?
- Why do I need an ICD if I haven't had any symptoms of tachycardia?
- What is torsades de pointes?
Can I drive if I have ventricular tachycardia?
If you have ventricular tachycardia or are having treatment for the condition, there are some circumstances which may mean you will not able to drive. You will need to ask your doctor's advice and check with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to find out if the DVLA rules apply to you.
Explanation
The DVLA publishes guidelines on whether it is safe for people with various medical conditions to drive.
The advice states that you must not drive if you have an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) that has caused, or is likely to cause incapacity (an inability to drive). This could mean that you may faint at the wheel, for example. However, you will be allowed to drive again if an underlying cause for your arrhythmia has been identified and it has been controlled for at least four weeks.
There are also additional rules if you have had certain procedures for ventricular tachycardia. If you have had a catheter ablation, you must not drive for a week afterwards.
If you have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) because of ventricular tachycardia attacks, you will not be able to drive a car or motorbike until six months after it has been implanted. This may need to be extended if you have a shock from your ICD during that time, or if you have been unable to drive at any time due to your condition or the ICD making you feel ill. Remember that if you have been told you need an ICD, but don't have one implanted, you will not be able to drive at all.
You will not be able to have a Class II license (ie, you will not be able to drive a larger good vehicle or a passenger carrying vehicle) if you have an ICD.
You should check the DVLA guidelines to see how they apply to you, and ask advice from your GP on whether you should drive.
Further information
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
www.dvla.gov.uk
Sources
- At a glance guide to the current medical standards of fitness to drive. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. www.dvla.gov.uk, accessed February 2008
Why do I need an ICD if I haven't had any symptoms of tachycardia?
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) can be used in people who are thought to be at high risk of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, even if they have not had any symptoms yet.
Explanation
An ICD is a device that can monitor your heart rhythm and return your heart beat to normal if it detects you are having a ventricular tachycardia attack.
Prompt treatment for ventricular tachycardia, and especially ventricular fibrillation, is very important - as without it, your heart may stop beating altogether (cardiac arrest). If you are thought to be at high risk for ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, your doctor may therefore suggest you have an ICD fitted, so that if you do ever have an attack, the device can provide you with immediate treatment.
You may be at high risk for these abnormal heart rhythms if you have:
- previously had a heart attack
- disease of the heart muscle
- an inherited condition of the heart
Not everyone who has one of these conditions will need an ICD. Your doctor will talk to you before you have the procedure to make sure you understand the risks, benefits and possible alternatives.
Sources
- Palpitation. British Heart Foundation, January 2005, Health information series number 14. www.bhf.org.uk
What is torsades de pointes?
Torsades de pointes is a type of ventricular tachycardia (an abnormal heartbeat, in which your heart beats too quickly). It occurs in people who have a condition called long QT syndrome.
Explanation
Your heartbeat is controlled by electrical impulses. In long QT syndrome, the time it takes for the heart to repolarize (recharge) after each heartbeat is longer than normal. The syndrome is an inherited disorder. However, certain drugs, a lack of some minerals (such as calcium or magnesium), poisoning with insecticides and other disorders of the heart can also cause the same problem.
If you have this long QT syndrome, you are more prone to getting torsades de pointes. Torsades de pointes can be set off when you exert yourself (eg by doing physical activity) or when something makes you jump - such as an alarm going off. It often stops by itself, but can sometimes lead to ventricular fibrillation, which is very dangerous as it can cause your heart to stop beating altogether.
Treatment for torsades de pointes is different to that for other types of ventricular tachycardia and will depend on what is causing your condition. If you have inherited long QT syndrome, your doctor may prescribe treatment with beta-blocker drugs, or you may need a pacemaker implanted. You may need to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted if you have a family history of sudden death.
Sources
- Kumar P, Clark M. Clinical Medicine. 6th ed. Elsevier, 2005:776-780
- British National Formulary (BNF). BMJ Publishing Group, 2007. 54
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: March 2009
Ventricular tachycardia factsheet
Visit the ventricular tachycardia health factsheet for more information.
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