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Torsade de Pointes

Rate	Usually between 150 to 220/bpm,
P wave	Obscured if present
QRS	Wide and bizarre morphology
Conduction	As with PVCs
Rhythm	Irregular

Paroxysmal – (starting and stopping suddenly)

Hallmark of this rhythm is the upward and downward deflection of the QRS complexes around the baseline. The term Torsade de Pointes means "twisting about the points."

Consider it V-tach if it doesn’t respond to antiarrythmic therapy or treatments

Caused by:

drugs which lengthen the QT interval such as quinidine

electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia

myocardial ischemia

Treatment:

Synchronized cardioversion is indicated when the patient is unstable.

IV magnesium

IV Potassium to correct an electrolyte imbalance

Overdrive pacing

For more information about Torsade de Pointes, please visit this YouTube link produced by 100lyric