Which finding would indicate deterioration to ventricular tachycardia in ACS?

• A. Chest pain relief
• B. Normal blood pressure
• C. New ventricular tachycardia
• D. Normal ECG

Answer: (C)

In ACS, watch for signs that the heart’s rhythm and output are deteriorating. A new onset ventricular tachycardia signals this malignant progression. Ventricular tachycardia is a rapid, regular rhythm arising from the ventricles, which can severely reduce diastolic filling and the heart’s forward pumping. The result is a drop in cardiac output and possible hypotension or shock, making it an urgent, life-threatening change that indicates the patient’s condition has worsened.

In contrast, chest pain relief suggests symptom improvement, normal blood pressure implies stable hemodynamics, and a normal ECG shows no new electrical disturbance—none of these indicate deterioration to VT. When a new VT is identified in ACS, it requires immediate ACLS-type intervention to restore rhythm and stabilize the patient.