Management of arrhythmias in heart failure. What a practicing physician should know in the current times.

Arrhythmias play a significant role in the mortality and morbidity as well as hospitalizations of patients who carry a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. With improving survival in a world of novel medications and devices, an understanding of the pathophysiology and management of these arrhythmias is crucial. Majority of the basic heart failure medications such as beta- -blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/aldosterone receptor blockers and aldosterone antagonists play a pivotal role in prevention of sudden cardiac deaths which can be a direct/indirect result of these arrhythmias. Anti-arrhythmic drugs and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators were also beneficial in selected patients. Innovative electrophysiological techniques need to be considered in special situations.

Duke Scholars

Author N. Alejandro (Alex) Barbagelata Medicine, Cardiology