Despite the introduction of new therapeutic techniques such as radiofrequency ablation and the implantable defibrillator, the classical opposition of monomorphic @entity1165 in apparently normal hearts and that arising from documented @entity299 remains useful. In the first case, treatment is only symptomatic whereas, in the second, lethal progression to @entity944 must be prevented. Generally speaking, in chronic post-infarct situations, betablockers are underused although they have been shown beyond doubt to reduce cardiovascular mortality. This is probably explained by the fear of possible @entity712 in @entity1 who often have left @entity67 . Nevertheless, different randomised studies of the use of betablockers in @entity712 have reported reduced mortality with no serious side effects. The use of beta-blockers is therefore advisable, and possible inpatients with or without sustained @entity1165 and underlying @entity299 . In cases at high risk of @entity944 , @entity2643 may be associated. Recent randomised studies (MADIT, AVID), comparing the use of implantable defibrillators with those of antiarrhythmic therapy, have shown better results with the implantable defibrillator. However, in these studies, only about 10% of @entity1 received betablockers in the antiarrhythmic treatment groups. This factor has introduced some doubt as to the real benefit of implantable defibrillators. Therefore, a randomised study comparing the efficacy of betablockers with @entity2643 against implantable defibrillators is desirable in order to determine the respective indications of each of these two therapeutic modalities.

[Drug therapy of XXXX ].

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity2643 :: ('MESH:D000638', 'Chemical') :: ['amiodarone'] @entity712 :: ('MESH:D006333', 'Disease') :: ['cardiac failure', 'haemodynamic decompensation'] @entity1165 :: ('MESH:D017180', 'Disease') :: ['ventricular tachycardia'] @entity944 :: ('MESH:D003645', 'Disease') :: ['sudden death'] @entity299 :: ('MESH:D006331', 'Disease') :: ['cardiac disease'] @entity67 :: ('MESH:D018754', 'Disease') :: ['ventricular dysfunction']
@entity1165 :: (MESH:D017180,Disease) :: ['ventricular tachycardia']
