Heart rhythm : the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society
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Precordial thump for cardiac arrest remains controversial. Although precordial blows can trigger ventricular fibrillation (VF) (i.e., commotio cordis), they paradoxically have been regarded as potential therapy for cardiac arrest. In commotio cordis, impact energy and resultant peak left ventricular (LV) pressure are important variables in VF initiation. ⋯ Despite generating high LV pressures, precordial thumps were not effective in terminating VF. Based on these data, precordial thump for VF in cardiac arrest victims cannot be recommended but for asystolic victims might be beneficial.