Ventricular tachycardia in patients with and without structural heart disease: Indications and results of radio frequency catheter ablation therapy

Ventricular arrhythmias are related to different mechanisms. In patients without apparent heart disease therapy should be limited to symptomatic persons. Because of high success rates catheter ablation should be considered as first line treatment. In patients with structural heart diseases not related to coronary artery disease and ventricular tachycardias therapy is indicated according to symptoms and risk stratification. Due to lower success rates catheter ablation is normally not a first line therapy exept for bundle branch reentry tachycardia in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias in the setting of coronary artery disease are common and should be treated dependend on symptoms, coronary status and left ventricular function. Catheter ablation is indicated for treatment of hemodynamically tolerated sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardias.