The patient with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) represents a common management problem for the cardiologist. The challenges posed by this arrhythmia, however, differ from those posed by most arrhythmias that we deal with on a daily basis. Most tachyarrhythmias come to our attention because of the symptoms they produce. In contrast, most instances of nonsustained VT do not cause symptoms. Rather, it derives its importance from the prognostic significance it carries in some patient populations.

A variety of definitions has been used to signify the duration and rate of arrhythmia qualifying as nonsustained VT. Currently, the most commonly used is three or more consecutive ventricular premature depolarizations, up to a maximum duration of 30 seconds before spontaneous termination. The most appropriate cut-off rate is greater than 100 beats per minute, based upon the observation that tachycardias having rates less than 100 beats per minute do not carry adverse prognostic significance, at least in persons with coronary artery disease.<sup>20 Denes P., Gillis A.M., Pawitan Y. , e al. Prevalence, characteristics and significance of ventricular premature complexes and ventricular tachycardia detected by 24-hour continuous electrocardiographic recording in the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial Am J Cardiol 1991 ;  68 : 887

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In this article, the authors review common situations in which nonsustained VT occurs, and their appropriate management. It is important in each case to differentiate reasons for evaluation and treatment: to relieve symptoms or to prolong life. Interestingly, these two indications often do not intersect in a given patient.