Ventricular arrhythmias, Part III: Benefits and risks of antiarrhythmic therapy

In Parts I and II of this series, clinical significance, prevalence, and special concerns in the evaluation of patients with ventricular arrhythmias were reviewed. We now examine the categories of antiarrhythmic drugs and offer indications for their use. Reasons why a patient may not respond to antiarrhythmic therapy, end points of therapy, and the benefits and drawbacks of measuring serum drug levels are addressed. Use of newer drugs and additional treatment modalities are discussed in the final installment.