Ventricular arrhythmias, left ventricular function and mortality after acute myocardial infarction.

Ventricular arrhythmias constitute an independent risk in the year following a myocardial infarction. The risk is moderate, but certainly not negligible. We still do not know whether ablation of the arrhythmias can improve survival. Further controlled drug trials are still needed to assess the possible benefit and hazards of treating frequent and repetitive ventricular premature beats in the first few months after an acute myocardial infarction.