Therapeutic options in patients with reduced ejection fraction and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia

The patient with a reduced ejection fraction and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia represents a common management problem for the physician. This article reviews the supporting evidence for the therapeutic options available for these patients according to the etiology of the reduced ejection fraction. In postinfarction patients, electrophysiology-guided implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy improves survival more than antiarrhythmic therapy. In patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, the best therapy is yet undetermined. Ongoing clinical trials will hopefully direct future therapy.