EM SAQs · Peri-arrest arrhythmias
The broad-complex tachycardia
An ACEM-style short-answer question on the broad-complex tachycardia, with model answer, common errors and examiner notes.
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Prompt
A 70-year-old man with a previous anterior myocardial infarction presents with palpitations. His heart rate is 190 per minute, the blood pressure is 100/60, and the 12-lead ECG shows a regular broad-complex tachycardia. He is alert and has ischaemic chest ache but is not in heart failure. Outline your assessment of stability, the likely diagnosis, and your management. (10 marks)
Question
A 70-year-old man with a previous anterior myocardial infarction presents with palpitations. His heart rate is 190 per minute, the blood pressure is 100/60, and the 12-lead ECG shows a regular broad-complex tachycardia. He is alert and has ischaemic chest ache but is not in heart failure. Outline your assessment of stability, the likely diagnosis, and your management. (10 marks)[1]
References2ShowHide
- [1]Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation Guideline 11.9 - Managing Acute Dysrhythmias ANZCOR, 2026.Source
- [2]Foerster CR, Andrew E, Smith K, et al. Amiodarone for sustained stable ventricular tachycardia in the prehospital setting Emergency Medicine Australasia, 2018.PMID 30084131