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a:2:{s:4:"TEXT";s:93:"Electrical heart storm: modern understanding of the problem, diagnosis and treatment methods";s:4:"TYPE";s:4:"HTML";}

Authors: Filatov A.G., Stupakov S.I.

Company:
Bakoulev National Medical Research Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Rublevskoe shosse, 135, Moscow, 121552, Russian Federation

E-mail: Сведения доступны для зарегистрированных пользователей.

Heading: Review

UDC: 616.12-008.318-07-08

Link: Clinical Physiology of Blood Circulaiton. 2018; 2 (4): 251-257

Quote as: Filatov A.G., Stupakov S.I. Electrical heart storm: modern understanding of the problem, diagnosis and treatment methods. Cardiovascular Surgery News. 2018; 2 (4): 251–7 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.24183/ 2588-0284-2018-2-4-251-257

Keywords:  electrical heart storm ventricular tachycardia ventricular fibrillation radiofrequency ablation

Received / Accepted:  26.11.2018/06.12.2018

Full text:  


Abstract

The electrical heart storm is a state of electrical destabilization of the myocardium, in which frequent recurrent episodes of lifethreatening ventricular tachycardia are observed within a short period of time. The clinical definition of electrical storm is variable, somewhat arbitrary, and it is a source of ongoing controversy. In general, an electrical storm is a condition in which two or more episodes of ventricular tachycardia and/or ventricular fibrillation occur within 24 hours. Currently, there is such a definition: in the presence of cardioverter-defibrillator (CD), an electrical storm is considered to be the operation of the device more than three times a day, while not only shock therapy, but also antitachycardia pacing. According to modern statistical research, episodes of electric storm occur in 10–20% of patients who have CD as a secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD), and electrical storm occurs much less frequently in patients with indications for CD implantation as a primary prevention of SCD. An electric storm is a great danger to the lives of patients. Even though there is still no clear definition of this condition, there is an understanding of the role of electric storm in increasing mortality and reducing the quality of life. Treatment of electric storm patients should be focused on eliminating the causes of this condition. Medical treatment for patients who are diagnosed with an electrical storm should necessarily include β-blockers and amiodarone, and if the drug therapy is ineffective, it is necessary to address the issue of radiofrequency methods for ventricular arrhythmias. In order to prevent SCD due to the development of fatal arrhythmias in such cases, it is advisable to implant CD. The further enhancement of science and the accumulation of experience in the treatment of this pathology will allow to develop new and more effective tactics for patients with electrical storm.

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About Authors

  • Andrey G. Filatov, Doctor Med. Sc., Head of Laboratory;
  • Sergey I. Stupakov, Doctor Med. Sc., Senior Researcher, orcid.org/0000-0002-2812-4692

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