When an abnormal heartbeat can be traced back to the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles), it is called ventricular arrhythmia. Ventricular arrhythmias include ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). All these types are life-threatening arrhythmias and are most commonly associated with heart attacks or scarring of the heart muscle from a previous heart attack.

• Ventricular tachycardia:  Tachycardia refers to a very fast heart rate of more than 100 or more beats per minute, out of sync with the upper chambers. The condition depends on where the fast heart rate begins and thus, the fast rhythm that begins in the ventricles is called ventricular tachycardia. Typically, when the heart beats faster, it pumps less blood. When this condition occurs, your heart may not be able to pump enough blood to your body and lungs as they don’t have time to fill properly. This condition results in loss of blood flow to the vital organs including the brain, leading to loss of consciousness. Most patients with ventricular tachycardia have heart-related problems, such as high blood pressure, heart valve disease, or coronary artery disease. In ventricular tachycardia, there is a scar tissue that forms on the heart. Due to this, there is a chance that ventricular tachycardia can also develop after a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or heart surgery.
• Ventricular fibrillation:  Ventricular fibrillation is considered as the most serious cardiac rhythm disturbance that causes uncontrolled, irregular beat. It is an extremely rapid heart rhythm (usually at over 300 beats per minute) occurring in the lower heart chambers, which is the most important cause of sudden cardiac deaths. If this condition of extremely rapid heartbeat continues for a long period of time, the body will not get enough oxygen-carrying blood. Without oxygen, the brain and body tissues cannot function, and that would typically lead to death. If proper treatment is provided, there is a chance of preventing death. If cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or electrical energy is provided to shock the heart back to a normal rhythm, then the heart may not be too damaged. This will avert the chances of immediate death.
• Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs):  PVCs are the less serious type of ventricular arrhythmia and are the most common cause of irregular heart rhythms. As the name suggests, PVCs occur when ventricle contractions beat sooner than the next expected regular heartbeat (extra, abnormal heartbeats that begin in the ventricles). These extra beats disrupt the regular heart rhythm and are less effective in pumping blood throughout the body. When PVC occurs it causes a feeling of palpitation, skipped beat, fluttering, pounding or jumping heart rate. If PVC occurs frequently, it reduces the heart’s pumping ability, and the individual may experience weakness, dizziness or fainting.

Ventricular arrhythmia also causes a range of exhausting emotions, including anger, depression, and guilt. Alternative therapies such as yoga and meditation can be helpful in treating these mental emotions. General treatment options include certain medication or surgeries that are helpful in slowing the heart rate. To provide better treatment, it is necessary to diagnose the type of ventricular arrhythmia and know the level of heart rhythm rate.