The American journal of cardiology
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The incorporation of antitachycardia pacing (ATP) into implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) has provided a better tolerated alternative to shocks. ATP has been shown to be effective in terminating approximately 80% to 90% of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia (VT) episodes. Although ATP is routinely used, little is known about predictors of ATP failure. ⋯ A faster heart rate immediately preceding the onset of VT (103 +/- 19 vs 78 +/- 14 beats/min, respectively, hazard ratio 4.08, 95% confidence interval 2.11 to 7.89, p <0.001), and absence of beta-blocker therapy (82% vs 93%, respectively, hazard ratio 2.71, 95% confidence interval 1.72 to 4.29, p = 0.02) were found, by Cox proportional-hazard analysis, to be the sole independent predictors of ATP ineffectiveness in ICD recipients. Thus, the present study identified both preceding sinus tachycardia (reflecting an increased sympathetic tone) and lack of beta-blocker use as independent risk factors for reduced success of ATP therapy in terminating VT. Therefore, modification of sympathetic tone may be beneficial for patients with ICDs.