Ventricular Arrhythmias

Cardiol Clin. 2018 Feb;36(1):129-139. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2017.08.007. Epub 2017 Oct 27.

Abstract

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is the most common form of wide complex tachycardia and is associated with a high mortality rate. Electrocardiographic analysis remains paramount in diagnosis and helps to direct therapy. Antiarrhythmic agents, although effective in reducing arrhythmia burden, have never demonstrated a mortality benefit. The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator aids not only in the acute termination of ventricular arrhythmia, but provides a wealth of information for the long-term management of patients with VT. Contemporary treatment options such as catheter ablation are increasingly used and effective, but often remain imperfect, with recurrent VT being not uncommon.

Keywords: Catheter ablation; Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; Ventricular fibrillation; Ventricular tachycardia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Catheter Ablation*
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / epidemiology
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control*
  • Electric Countershock*
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Survival Rate
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular* / complications
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular* / diagnosis
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular* / therapy