What are the causes of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation?
Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are most commonly caused by heart attacks (acute myocardial infarctions) or scarring of the heart muscle from previous heart attacks. Less common causes of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation include severe weakening of the heart muscles (cardiomyopathy), medication toxicity (such as digoxin toxicity), medication side effects, and blood electrolyte disturbances (such as a low potassium level). Ironically, some medications used in treating heart rhythm abnormalities can cause ventricular tachycardias. How can ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation be treated and prevented? Medications have traditionally been used in preventing ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Examples of these medications include Pronestyl and Cordarone and beta-blockers such as Tenormin and Inderal. Medicines, however, are not always successful in preventing tachycardias or in terminating tachycardias once they occur. Once a life threateni
