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  • Title: [Calcium antagonists in treatment of ventricular tachycardia].
    Author: Melichercik J, Schöls W, Beyer T, Schweizer M, Brachmann J, Kübler W.
    Journal: Z Kardiol; 1996 May; 85(5):319-25. PubMed ID: 8711944.
    Abstract:
    Of the traditional antiarrhythmic agents administered in the treatment of ventricular tachycardias, those belonging to Class III are most commonly used. However, some ventricular tachycardias displaying special clinical, electrocardiographic and/or electrophysiologic characteristics have been successfully treated with calcium antagonists. Otherwise, Class IV antiarrhythmic agents are primarily used in the treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. It is reasonable to suspect that calcium-dependent phenomena underlie ventricular tachyarrhythmias in a number of patients. Verapamil-sensitive sustained left ventricular tachycardias represent a typical example. Sufficient response to calcium antagonists has also been demonstrated for exercise-induced ventricular tachycardias and repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachycardias. Characteristically, these arrhythmias occur in young patients with no structural heart disease. The long-term prognosis of these patients is in fact very good, but because of intrusive symptoms, pharmacological or nonpharmacological (radiofrequency ablation) treatment is often indicated. Through correct diagnosis and implementation of a short- and long-term therapy with calcium antagonists, and excellent alternative to the potentially harmful therapy with Class I and Class III antiarrhythmic agents can be offered.
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