Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
07:29
Programmed Electrical Stimulation in Mice
Published on: May 26, 2010
Ventricular arrhythmias, electrophysiologic studies, and devices
1Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Milwaukee, USA.
Cardiology Clinics
|March 27, 1999
Summary
In elderly patients with heart disease, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators may offer less benefit for ventricular tachyarrhythmias compared to younger individuals due to other health issues.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Ventricular tachyarrhythmias are common in the elderly due to high heart disease incidence.
- Effective management requires identifying underlying heart disease and precipitating factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in elderly patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
- To assess the impact of age on the benefits of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators compared to pharmacologic therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies comparing implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and pharmacologic therapy for hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
- Analysis of potential benefits and limitations in the elderly population.
Main Results:
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators show lower mortality for hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachyarrhythmias compared to pharmacologic therapy in general.
- This benefit is likely reduced in the elderly due to competing causes of mortality.
Conclusions:
- The prophylactic use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators may yield attenuated results in the elderly.
- Careful consideration of competing risks is necessary when managing ventricular tachyarrhythmias in older adults.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm
The normal cardiac rhythm is a synchronized electrical activity that facilitates the regular and coordinated contraction of the heart muscle. This process is essential for efficient blood circulation throughout the body. The fundamental elements involved in establishing and maintaining this rhythm include the unique electrical properties of cardiac muscle cells, the sinoatrial (SA) node's pacemaker function, the specialized conducting system, and the ionic mechanisms underlying each phase of...
01:28Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
01:30Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
01:25Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...