Triplet PVCs or "3 Beat Run of V Tach?"

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In class learning about reading EKG strips. Talking about A. fib, A. flutter, V. fib, V. tach, etc.

I know there is Couplet PVCs and from what I see online (obviously not all of the best resources) there is also "Triplet PVCs." Not sure if there is actually, by definition, "Triplet PVCs" or if it is considered a 3 beat run of V. tach. Talked to a Paramedic friend and he said he had learned that any more than 2 consecutive PVCs is considered a run of V. tach. What does everyone else know about this? Not that its a pressing question or that I'd be terribly concerned about 3 PVCs in a row, just curious how everyone learned this and what you personally consider a "run."

Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

3 - 7ish(ive heard up to 9) in a row are considered NSVT (Non sustained VT). More than that is VT. Ive never heard of triplet PVCs.

Had a patient with a 75 beat run of VT and asymptomatic!! Lifevest was ordered/put on shortly thereafter....that was fun. :D

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Are you referring to a trigeminy, or trigeminal rhythm?

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Specializes in ED.
Are you referring to a trigeminy, or trigeminal rhythm?

Trigeminy is when you have one pvc for every 2 normal beats. From what I've heard from attendings and cardiologists, more than 2 in a row is considered a "run" of V-tach.

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Specializes in Neonatal.

My textbook ECG Workout by Jane Huff says 3 PVCs equals a run of VT, that's the way I was taught in class as well

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Triplet PVC's are every third beat and 3 together are a 3 beat run of vtach!! good luck..

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nonsustained V-Tach is any run lasting less than 30 secs. sustained or stable vtach (assuming consciousness) thereafter.

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Trigeminy is when you have one pvc for every 2 normal beats. From what I've heard from attendings and cardiologists, more than 2 in a row is considered a "run" of V-tach.

This is what I was looking for and what I've heard from several people. Just wanted to make sure. I thought that, again.. "by definition," 3 consecutive PVCs is considered a run.

Thanks a lot for everyone's speedy responses. Appreciate it!

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

Definitely V-TACH.

I would note 3 beat, 5 beat, etc. - not sustained, sustained, with a pulse or without pulse or perhaps if transient and I could be at the patient bedside during a "transient" episode, I would try and palpate a pulse and if the pulse was not present during the "episode" I might note pulse as "not corresponding" (Meaning that the electrical activity was consistent with a beat but a pulse was not appreciable).

No matter - treat the patient NOT the monitor - but, this deserves further evaluation. Even a non-sustained episode can be "pulseless" (not corresponding) - and IMO, that is a more immediate critical matter, regardless of the transient nature of the episode. Actually, most all V-Tach is sort of critical --- though - I, too, have seen the rare case of sustained, V-Tach with a pulse and no immediate clinical impairment. I have never seen anyone sent home in V-Tach without an AICD.

:redbeathe . :redbeathe . :redbeathe . :redbeathe

Practice SAFE!

;)

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

According to ACLS, 3 PVCs together = a run of V-Tach. For great simulation practice of EKG strips, visit www.skillstat.com.

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3 in a row = vtach... it is called non sustained now and most doctors don't get too concerned about it. As long as you chart it, though, it really doesn't matter if you chart triplet pvcs or 3 beat run of VT...Either is acceptable on the medical chart.

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