The use of vasopressors in cardiac arrhythmias, particularly ventricular tachycardia

Abstract

The action of a vasopressor drug (metaraminol) in three cases of ventricular tachycardia has been demonstrated. The results suggest that the use of vasopressors to terminate ventricular tachycardias in the presence of shock is an effective method of therapy. Vasopressors will, in most cases, terminate arrhythmias produced by shock or shock induced by arrhythmias. Even if the arrhythmia is not terminated the alleviation of the shock will sustain the patient so that further antiarrhythmic measures will have time to be effective. In a fourth case, metaraminol given intramuscularly precipitated ventricular tachycardia. There is a critical level of systolic blood pressure (180–190 mm. Hg) above which cardiac arrhythmias may ensue during vasopressor therapy in shock. To this end, the vasopressor agents should be given by intravenous infusion for better control of dosage.