Current treatment of ventricular arrhythmias: state of the art.

Ventricular arrhythmias may be benign, requiring only evaluation for associated risks and then reassurance, or associated with a risk of sudden death or significant morbidity. Therapies for these arrhythmias have evolved considerably over the past 20 years. For some, a definitive, curative therapy is available in the form of catheter ablation. Others are best managed with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator that provides effective arrhythmia termination and protection from sudden death, with antiarrhythmic drugs or ablation to control recurrent arrhythmias. Although progress has been substantial, many challenges remain.