The condition can develop as an early or late complication of a heart attack. It may also occur in people with:
Cardiomyopathy Heart failure Heart surgery Myocarditis Valvular heart disease
Ventricular tachycardia can occur without heart disease.
Scar tissue may form in the muscle of the ventricles days, months, or years after a heart attack. This can lead to ventricular tachycardia.
Ventricular tachycardia can also be caused by:
Anti-arrhythmic drugs (used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm) Changes in blood chemistry (such as a low potassium level) Changes in pH (acid-base)