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I am looking for information on ventricular tachyarrhythmia. It is when the heart rate races at times and then goes back to normal.

Not all episodes of rapid heart rhythm are due to ventricular tachyarrhythmia (rapid heart rhythm beginning in the lower chambers, or ventricles, of the heart). Many rapid rhythms originate in the upper chambers (atria); the most common of these is atrial fibrillation. Only an electrocardiogram (ECG) during an episode of rapid heart beating can identify the specific problem. In the case of intermittent trouble, it may be necessary to monitor heart rhythm for an extended period of time in order to “catch” an episode. This can be done with a Holter monitor, a unit that is worn for a day or more and which records all heart beats.

In general, disturbances of rate and rhythm with ventricular origin tend to be more serious and carry greater risk. Factors that can lead to ventricular tachyarrhythmias include: coronary disease with inadequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle; disease of the heart muscle itself (so-called cardiomyopathy); certain drugs such as digitalis or cocaine; and even low levels of potassium in the blood.

It is very important to establish the precise nature and cause of the problem so that proper treatment choices can be made. Rapid heart beat of proven ventricular origin must be considered a potentially dangerous situation deserving urgent medical attention.