Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in dilated cardiomyopathy

Curr Cardiol Rep. 2005 Sep;7(5):368-75. doi: 10.1007/s11886-005-0091-6.

Abstract

In patients with structural heart disease, ventricular arrhythmias are associated with an increased risk of overall mortality and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) is common in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of both ischemic and nonischemic origin. Recent studies suggest that NSVT may be a marker, but not a significant predictor, of mortality and SCD in that suppression of NSVT in these patients using antiarrhythmic drugs is of questionable benefit. Additionally, indications for implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation do not include NSVT. This article focuses on the prognostic significance and treatment of patients with NSVT and ischemic or nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / complications*
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / physiopathology
  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / therapy
  • Coronary Disease / complications
  • Coronary Disease / therapy
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / etiology
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control
  • Defibrillators, Implantable
  • Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Prognosis
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / etiology*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / physiopathology
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents