arrhythmias and CHF

Posted By  CCF Cardio MD-SGM on January 07, 1998 at 22:30:55:

In Reply to: arrhythmias and CHF posted by Mark on January 05, 1998 at 21:48:18:

: Can cardiomyopthies, such as ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, actually "cause" arrhythmias? If so, can you give a simplistic overview of how or why? Does being in congestive heart failure as well have any bearing on the answer? Thanks.

[CCF Cardio MD-SGM]

Dear Mark,
Arrhythmias are common in patients with heart failure, including those with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.  Multiple electrophysiologic mechanisms, autonomic nervous system disturbances and electrolyte imbalances that are often present in the setting of  heart failure result in a substrate that is more prone to develop ventricular arrhythmias (PVC's, Ventricular tachycardia, and Ventricular Fibrillation).  Another source of arrhythmia in cardiomyopathy is supraventricular in nature, namely atrial fibrillation or flutter.  All of these problems can exacerbate heart failure symptoms.
Heart rhythm disturbances are of great concern to individuals with heart failure, because certain arrhythmias can lead to clinical deterioration and sudden death.   A myriad of medications and devices are available, however,  to lessen this risk of this complication.  
I hope this information has been helpful.