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Mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmias in heart failure

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Abstract

Congestive heart failure continues to be a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In approximately 50% of these patients, the mode of death is sudden. Ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation represent the majority of arrhythmias; the mechanisms responsible are heterogeneous and complex. Myocardial scar, a potent environment for reentry, is likely to contribute to many of the ventricular arrhythmias in ischemic heart failure. Altered calcium handling and changes in potassium currents may contribute to the increase in early and delayed afterdepolarizations seen in the failing heart. In addition, compensatory mechanisms may become deleterious and potentially arrhythmogenic via a variety of mechanisms. This article provides a general overview of the mechanisms thought to be responsible for ventricular arrhythmias in chronic heart failure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Henry Ford Health System, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Heart and Vascular Institute, 2799 W. Grand Blvd, Room E 235, 48202, Detroit, MI, USA

    Matthew W. Ebinger DO

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  1. Matthew W. Ebinger DO
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  2. Subramaniam Krishnan MD
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  3. Claudio D. Schuger MD
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Ebinger, M.W., Krishnan, S. & Schuger, C.D. Mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmias in heart failure. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2, 111–117 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-005-0018-y

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