What is characterized by three or more ectopic beats of ventricular origin in succession at rates greater than 100 beats per minute?

Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by three or more ectopic beats originating from the ventricles, occurring in succession at rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. This arrhythmia reflects an abnormal electrical activity in the ventricles, often due to irritability of ventricular myocardium or underlying heart conditions. The rapid heart rate can lead to decreased cardiac output and potentially result in serious hemodynamic instability. Recognizing ventricular tachycardia is crucial for timely intervention, as it may progress to more severe forms of arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, which can be life-threatening. This condition is distinct from other arrhythmias like atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation, which originate from atrial sources, or myocardial ischemia, which refers to insufficient blood supply to the heart rather than a specific rhythm disorder.