Acute Antiarrhythmic Therapy of Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation
Mohan N Viswanathan1, Richard L Page2
1Division of Cardiology/Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of Washington, Box 356422, 1959 NE Pacific Street, A-506B, Seattle, WA 98195-6422, USA.
Abstract:
Ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation) are often associated with underlying structural heart disease and require prompt assessment and treatment. Acute treatment involves initial hemodynamic stabilization of the patient followed by suppressive treatment with pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches for reducing the risk of recurrence of ventricular arrhythmias and potential development of sudden cardiac death. This article reviews acute antiarrhythmic drug therapy for ventricular arrhythmias based on the clinical presentation.
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