[Therapy and prevention of different forms of ventricullar fibrillation in myocardial infarct]

Data on 80 cases of myocardial infarction complicated by different forms of ventricular fibrillation (VF)--primary, secondary and recurrent--are analysed. VF was shown to be accompanied by distinct disorders in respiration, metabolism and haemodynamics. Metabolic disorders are characterized by acid-base and electrolyte balance changes, increased activity of the adrenal glands, and increased release of catecholamines and glucocorticoids into the blood. The latter proves that VF increases the stress reaction of the body caused by acute myocardial infarction. The success of prevention and treatment of VF depends on the early hospitalization of acute myocardial infarction patients in specialized intensive care and resuscitation units where emergency reanimation measures can be taken, controlled therapy rendered, and VF prevented by influencing the altered metabolism and stress state. Special attention is paid to repeated VF for which the authors employ, along with routine therapy, Glucagon that produces an antiarrhythmic and cardiotonic effect.