Same-day discharge after atrial fibrillation ablation under a nurse-coordinated standardized protocol.

AIMS: Same-day discharge (SDD) after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is an effective means to spare healthcare resources. However, safety remains a concern, and besides structural adaptations, SDD requires more efficient logistics and coordination. Therefore, in this study, we implement a streamlined, nurse-coordinated SDD programme following a standardized protocol. METHODS AND RESULTS: As a dedicated SDD coordinator, a nurse specialized in ambulatory cardiac interventions was in charge of the full SDD protocol, including eligibility, patient flow, in-hospital logistics, patient education, and discharge as well as early post-discharge follow-up by smartphone-based virtual visits. Patients planned for AF ablation were considered eligible if they had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥35%, with basic support at home and accessibility of the hospital within 60 min also forming a part of the eligibility criteria. A total of 420 consecutive patients were screened by the SDD coordinator, of whom 331 were eligible for SDD. The reasons for exclusion were living remotely (29, 6.9%), lack of support at home (19, 4.5%), or LVEF <35% (17, 4.0%). Of the eligible patients, 300 (91%) were successfully discharged the same day. There were no major post-SDD complications. Rates of unplanned medical attention (19, 6.3%) and 30-day readmission (5, 1.6%) were extremely low and driven by femoral access-site complications. These were significantly reduced upon the introduction of compulsory ultrasound-guided punctures after the initial 150 SDD patients (P = 0.0145). Standardized SDD coordination resulted in efficient workflows and reduced the total workload of the medical staff. CONCLUSION: Same-day discharge after AF ablation following a nurse-coordinated standardized protocol is safe and efficient. The concept of ambulatory cardiac intervention nurses functioning as dedicated coordinators may be key in the future transition of hospitals to SDD. Ultrasound-guided femoral puncture virtually eliminated relevant femoral access-site complications in our cohort and should therefore be a prerequisite for SDD.

Stepwise application of ECG and electrogram-based criteria to ensure electrical resynchronization with left bundle branch pacing.

AIMS: To define a stepwise application of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) criteria that will simplify implantation and guarantee electrical resynchronization. Left bundle branch pacing has emerged as an alternative to biventricular pacing. However, a systematic stepwise criterion to ensure electrical resynchronization is lacking. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cohort of 24 patients from the LEVEL-AT trial (NCT04054895) who received LBBP and had electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) at 45 days post-implant were included. The usefulness of ECG- and electrogram-based criteria to predict accurate electrical resynchronization with LBBP were analyzed. A two-step approach was developed. The gold standard used to confirm resynchronization was the change in ventricular activation pattern and shortening in left ventricular activation time, assessed by ECGI. Twenty-two (91.6%) patients showed electrical resynchronization on ECGI. All patients fulfilled pre-screwing requisites: lead in septal position in left-oblique projection and W paced morphology in V1. In the first step, presence of either right bundle branch conduction delay pattern (qR or rSR in V1) or left bundle branch capture Plus (QRS ≤120 ms) resulted in 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity to predict LBBP resynchronization, with an accuracy of 95.8%. In the second step, the presence of selective capture (100% specificity, only 41% sensitivity) or a spike-R <80 ms in non-selective capture (100% specificity, sensitivity 46%) ensured 100% accuracy to predict resynchronization with LBBP. CONCLUSION: Stepwise application of ECG and electrogram criteria may provide an accurate assessment of electrical resynchronization with LBBP (Graphical abstract).

Conduction system pacing vs. biventricular pacing in patients with ventricular dysfunction and AV block.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether His-Purkinje conduction system pacing (HPCSP), as either His bundle or left bundle branch pacing, could be an alternative to cardiac resynchronization therapy (BiVCRT) for patients with left ventricular dysfunction needing ventricular pacing due to atrioventricular block. The aim of the study is to compare the echocardiographic response and clinical improvement between HPCSP and BiVCRT. METHODS: Consecutive patients who successfully received HPCSP were compared with a historical cohort of BiVCRT patients. Patients were 1:1 matched by age, LVEF, atrial fibrillation, renal function and cardiomyopathy type. Responders were defined as patients who survived, did not require heart transplantation and increased LVEF ≥5 points at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: HPCSP was successfully achieved in 92.5% (25/27) of patients. During follow-up, 8% (2/25) of HPCSP patients died and 4% (1/25) received a heart transplant, whereas 4% (1/25) of those in the BiVCRT cohort died. LVEF improvement was 10% ± 8% HPCSP versus 7% ± 5% BiVCRT (p = .24), and the percentage of responders was 76% (19/25) HPCSP versus 64% (16/25) BiVCRT (p = .33). Among survivors, the percentage of patients who improved from baseline II-IV mitral regurgitation (MR) to 0-I MR was 9/11 (82%) versus 2/8 (25%) (p = .02). Compared to those with BiVCRT, patients with HPCSP achieved better NYHA improvement: 1 point versus 0.5 (OR 0.34; p = .02). CONCLUSION: HPCSP in patients with LVEF ≤45% and atrioventricular block improved the LVEF and induced a response similar to that of BiVCRT. HPCSP significantly improved MR and NYHA functional class. HPCSP may be an alternative to BiVCRT in these patients. (Figure 1. Central Illustration). [Figure: see text].

Septal flash correction with His-Purkinje pacing predicts echocardiographic response in resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: His-Purkinje conduction system pacing (HPCSP) has been proposed as an alternative to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT); however, predictors of echocardiographic response have not been described in this population. Septal flash (SF), a fast contraction and relaxation of the septum, is a marker of intraventricular dyssynchrony. METHODS: The study aimed to analyze whether HPCSP corrects SF in patients with CRT indication, and if correction of SF predicts echocardiographic response. This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data included 30 patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured with echocardiography at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. Echocardiographic response was defined as increase in five points in LVEF. RESULTS: HPCSP shortened QRS duration by 48 ± 21 ms and SF was significantly decreased (baseline 3.6 ± 2.2 mm vs. HPCSP 1.5 ± 1.5 mm p < .0001). At 6-month follow-up, mean LVEF improvement was 8.6% ± 8.7% and 64% of patients were responders. There was a significant correlation between SF correction and increased LVEF (r = .61, p = .004). A correction of ≥1.5 mm (baseline SF - paced SF) had a sensitivity of 81% and 80% specificity to predict echocardiographic response (area under the curve 0.856, p = .019). CONCLUSION: HPCSP improves intraventricular dyssynchrony and results in 64% echocardiographic responders at 6-month follow-up. Dyssynchrony improvement with SF correction may predict echocardiographic response at 6-month follow-up.

Leadless pacemakers in critically ill patients requiring prolonged cardiac pacing: A multicenter international study.

BACKGROUND: Temporary transvenous pacing in critically ill patients requiring prolonged cardiac pacing is associated with a high risk of complications. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of self-contained intracardiac leadless pacemaker (LPM) implantation in this population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients implanted with a Micra LPM during the hospitalization in an intensive care unit were retrospectively included. Inclusion criteria were: more than or equal to 1 supracaval central venous line, or a ventilation tube, or intravenous antibiotic therapy for ongoing sepsis or bacteremia. Patients with a history of the previous implantation of a pacemaker were excluded. Out of 1016 patients implanted with an LPM, 99 met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 75 years and Charlson comorbidity index 7. LPM implantation was successfully performed in 98% of cases, with a perioperative complication rate of 5%, mainly cardiac injuries. In-hospital mortality rate was 6%. No late (>30 days) device-related complication occurred, especially no infection. CONCLUSIONS: LPM appears as an acceptable alternative to conventional temporary transvenous pacing in selected critically ill patients requiring prolonged cardiac pacing, especially regarding the risk of infection.

Optimized single-point left ventricular pacing leads to improved resynchronization compared with multipoint pacing.

BACKGROUND: Multipoint pacing (MPP) in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) activates the left ventricle from two locations, thereby shortening the QRS duration and enabling better resynchronization; however, compared with conventional CRT, MPP reduces battery longevity. On the other hand, electrocardiogram-based optimization using the fusion-optimized intervals (FOI) method achieves more significant reverse remodeling than nominal CRT programming. Our study aimed to determine whether MPP could attain better resynchronization than single-point pacing (SPP) optimized by FOI. METHODS: This prospective study included 32 consecutive patients who successfully received CRT devices with MPP capabilities. After implantation, the QRS duration was measured during intrinsic rhythm and with three pacing configurations: MPP, SPP-FOI, and MPP-FOI. In 14 patients, biventricular activation times (by electrocardiographic imaging, ECGI) were obtained during intrinsic rhythm and for each pacing configuration to validate the findings. Device battery longevity was estimated at the 45-day follow-up. RESULTS: The SPP-FOI method achieved greater QRS shortening than MPP (-56 ± 16 vs. -42 ± 17 ms, p < .001). Adding MPP to the best FOI programming did not result in further shortening (MPP-FOI: -58 ± 14 ms, p = .69). Although biventricular activation times did not differ significantly among the three pacing configurations, only the two FOI configurations achieved significant shortening compared with intrinsic rhythm. The estimated battery longevity was longer with SPP than with MPP (8.1 ± 2.3 vs. 6.3 ± 2.0 years, p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: SPP optimized by FOI resulted in better resynchronization and longer battery duration than MPP.

Very high pacing thresholds during long-term follow-up predicted by a combination of implant pacing threshold and impedance in leadless transcatheter pacemakers.

BACKGROUND: Micra transcatheter pacemaker system (TPS) usually achieves low implant pacing threshold (IPT). However, IPT may increase in some patients during follow-up. AIM: To apply implant parameters in predicting long-term occurrence of very high pacing threshold (VHPT) in patients with Micra-TPS. METHODS: A cohort of 110 consecutive patients implanted with a Micra-TPS from 2014 to 2018 was evaluated at discharge and at 1, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months follow-up. VHPT was defined as greater than 2 V/0.24 ms. VHPT predictors were identified. RESULTS: Micra-TPS was implanted successfully in 108 patients (98.2%). During a mean follow-up of 24 ± 16 months, 18 patients (16.7%) died of causes nonpacemaker-related, and 4 (3.8%) developed VHPT. Patients with VHPT had higher IPT and lower implant impedance than patients with non-VHPT: 1 ± 0.31 vs 0.55 ± 0.29 V/0.24 ms (P = .003) and 580 ± 59 vs 837 ± 232 Ω (P = .03), respectively. IPT and impedance had excellent discriminative power to predict VHPT (area under the curve: 0.85 ± 0.07 and 0.91 ± 0.05, respectively). Negative predictive value (NPV) of IPT ≤ 0.5 V/0.24 ms was 100%; positive predictive value (PPV) was 8% throughout follow-up. Implant impedance ≤ 600 Ω had NPV of 99% throughout follow-up, whereas PPV varied: 16%, 21%, 16%, and 28% at 1, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Sequential combination of IPT greater than 0.5 V/0.24 ms and impedance ≤ 600 Ω improved PPV to 25%, 35%, 27%, and 44%, respectively, whereas NPV remained 99% throughout follow-up. CONCLUSION: Despite favorable long-term electrical performance of Micra-TPS, a small percent of patients developed VHPT during follow-up. A sequential combination of IPT and impedance could allow the implanter to identify patients who will develop VHPT during long-term follow-up.

Comorbidity and low use of new antiplatelets in acute coronary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the use of the new generation P2Y12 inhibitors (Ticagrelor and Prasugrel) with aspirin is the recommended therapy in acute NSTE-ACS patients, their current use in clinical practice remains quite low and might be related, among several variables, with increased comorbidity burden. We aimed to assess the prevalence of these treatments and whether their use could be associated with comorbidity. METHOD: A multicentric prospective registry was conducted at 8 Cardiac Intensive Care Units (October 2017-April 2018) in patients admitted with non ST elevation myocardial infarction. Antithrombotic treatment was recorded and the comorbidity risk was assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. We created a multivariate model to identify the independent predictors of the use of new inhibitors of P2Y12. RESULTS: A total of 629 patients were included, median age 67 years, 23.2% women, 359 patients (57.1%) treated with clopidogrel and 40.6% with new P2Y12 inhibitors: ticagrelor (228 patients, 36.2%) and prasugrel (30 patients, 4.8%). Among the patients with very high comorbidity (Charlson Score > 6) clopidogrel was the drug of choice (82.6%), meanwhile in patients with low comorbility (Charlson Score 0-1) was the ticagrelor or prasugrel (63.6%). Independent predictors of the use of ticagrelor or prasugrel were a low Charlson Comorbidity Index, a low CRUSADE score and the absence of prior bleeding. CONCLUSION: Antiplatelet treatment with Ticagrelor or Pasugrel was low in patients admitted with NSTE-ACS. Comorbidity calculated with Charlson Comorbidity Index was a powerful predictor of the use of new generation P2Y12 inhibitors in this population.

Thrombocytopenia after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A comparison between balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is common and has been related to higher mortality and major complications. No comparison between balloon-expandable (BEV) and self-expanding valves (SEV) regarding drop platelet count (DPC) has been reported to date. The objectives of this study were to analyze the differences in DPC between BEVs or SEVs and their prognostic implications in clinical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing TAVI. Platelet counts after TAVI were collected. Two groups were created: DPC ≤ 30% and DPC > 30%. VARC-2 criteria were used to define outcomes. RESULTS: Study population was composed of 195 patients (age 77.5 ± 6.7, 57.4% males). All of them but one experienced DPC (mean DPC 31.9 ± 15.3%). DPC was significantly higher among the patients treated with BEV compared to those treated with SEV (36.3 ± 15.1% vs 27.7 ± 14.4, P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, the use of BEV was independently associated with a higher rate of DPC > 30% (67.4% vs 36.0%; OR 3.4; 95% CI, 1.42-8.16). At 30 days, the DPC > 30% was associated with a higher rate of life-threatening/major bleeding, major vascular complications, in-hospital sepsis and mortality. At one year, there were no statistically significant differences in the mortality rate between groups (6.35% vs 10.0%, HR 1.54; 95% CI, 0.56-4.25). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the use of BEV was associated with a higher risk of DPC after TAVI. A DPC rate > 30% was associated with an increased risk of major complications at 30 days.

Electrocardiographic optimization techniques in resynchronization therapy.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a cornerstone of therapy for patients with heart failure, reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, and a wide QRS complex. However, not all patients respond to CRT: 30% of CRT implanted patients are currently considered clinical non-responders and up to 40% do not achieve LV reverse remodelling. In order to achieve the best CRT response, appropriate patient selection, device implantation, and programming are important factors. Optimization of CRT pacing intervals may improve results, increasing the number of responders, and the magnitude of the response. Echocardiography is considered the reference method for atrioventricular and interventricular (VV) intervals optimization but it is time-consuming, complex and it has a large interobserver and intraobserver variability. Previous studies have linked QRS shortening to clinical response, echocardiographic improvement and favourable prognosis. In this review, we describe the electrocardiographic optimization methods available: 12-lead electrocardiogram; fusion-optimized intervals (FOI); intracardiac electrogram-based algorithms; and electrocardiographic imaging. Fusion-optimized intervals is an electrocardiographic method of optimizing CRT based on QRS duration that combines fusion with intrinsic conduction. The FOI method is feasible and fast, further reduces QRS duration, can be performed during implant, improves acute haemodynamic response, and achieves greater LV remodelling compared with nominal programming of CRT.

Programming Pacemakers to Reduce and Terminate Atrial Fibrillation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this paper is to review present knowledge regarding preventive and antitachycardia pacing algorithms, aimed to reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) burden in patients when pacing is indicated. RECENT FINDINGS: Reactive antitachycardia pacing (ATP), the new generation of ATP, is significantly associated with a reduced risk of AF. In patients with indication for pacing and history of AF, pacemakers endowed with atrial preventive pacing and atrial ATP combined with managed ventricular pacing proved superior to standard dual-chamber pacing. Managed ventricular pacing is an algorithm that minimizes unnecessary right ventricular pacing. Progression to persistent AF is prevented by ventricular pacing minimization in patients with normal PR interval. The synergistic effect of pacemakers that combine atrial preventive pacing with reactive ATP and with algorithms that minimize ventricular pacing can reduce AF incidence and decrease the combined endpoint of permanent AF, hospital admissions, and mortality.

Failure-free survival of the Riata implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead after a very long-term follow-up.

AIMS: Riata® implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads from St. Jude Medical are prone to malfunction. This study aimed to describe the rate of this lead's malfunction in a very long-term follow-up. METHODS: This single-centre observational study included 50 patients who received a Riata 7Fr dual-coil lead between 2003 and 2008. Follow-up was conducted both in person and remotely, and analysed at 8-month intervals. We evaluated the rates of cable externalization (CE), electrical failure (EF), and the interaction of these two complications. Structural lead failure was defined as radiographic CE. Oversensing of non-cardiac signal or sudden changes in impedance, sensing, or pacing thresholds constituted EF. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 10.2 ±â€¯2.9 years, 16 patients (32%) died. We observed lead malfunction in 13 patients (26%): three (23%) due to CE, six (46%) to EF and four (31%) to both complications. Of the malfunctioning leads, 77% failed after seven years of follow-up. The incidence rate (IR) of overall malfunction per 100 patients per year was 0.9 during the first seven years post-implantation, increased to 7.0 after the 7th year and more than doubled (to 16.7) after 10 years. Beyond seven years post-implantation, IR per 100 patient-years increased in both EF and CE (from 0.6 to 5.6 vs. 0.3 to 4.2, respectively). Presence of CE was associated with a 4-fold increase in the proportion of EF. CONCLUSION: The incidence of Riata ICD lead malfunction, both for EF and CE, increased dramatically after seven years and then more than doubled after 10 years post-implantation.

A rare cause of severe mitral stenosis and reversible pulmonary hypertension.

Myxoma is a rare cause of severe mitral stenosis. We describe a challenging case of severe mitral stenosis and reversible pulmonary hypertension produced by a giant left atrial myxoma. The greatest risk is a diagnostic delay due to focus on discarding a pulmonary etiology of dyspnea. Physical examination and early echocardiographic assessment are the keys to avoid overlooking this uncommon pathology.

Longitudinal comparison of dyssynchrony correction and 'strain' improvement by conduction system pacing: LEVEL-AT trial secondary findings.

AIMS: Longitudinal dyssynchrony correction and 'strain' improvement by comparable cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) techniques is unreported. Our purpose was to compare echocardiographic dyssynchrony correction and 'strain' improvement by conduction system pacing (CSP) vs. biventricular pacing (BiVP) as a marker of contractility improvement during 1-year follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: A treatment-received analysis was performed in patients included in the LEVEL-AT trial (NCT04054895), randomized to CSP or BiVP, and evaluated at baseline (ON and OFF programming) and at 6 and 12 months (n = 69, 32% women). Analysis included intraventricular (septal flash), interventricular (difference between left and right ventricular outflow times), and atrioventricular (diastolic filling time) dyssynchrony and 'strain' parameters [septal rebound, global longitudinal 'strain' (GLS), LBBB pattern, and mechanical dispersion). Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 27.5 ± 7%, and LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) was 138 ± 77 mL, without differences between groups. Longitudinal analysis showed LVEF and LVESV improvement (P < 0.001), without between-group differences. At 12-month follow-up, adjusted mean LVEF was 46% with CSP (95% CI 42.2 and 49.3%) vs. 43% with BiVP (95% CI 39.6 and 45.8%), (P = 0.31), and LVESV was 80 mL (95% CI 55.3 and 104.5 mL) vs. 100 mL (95% CI 78.7 and 121.6 mL), respectively (P = 0.66). Longitudinal analysis showed a significant improvement of all dyssynchrony parameters and GLS over time (P < 0.001), without differences between groups. Baseline GLS significantly correlated with LVEF and LVESV at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: CSP and BiVP provided similar dyssynchrony and 'strain' correction over time. Baseline global longitudinal 'strain' predicted ventricular remodelling at 12-month follow-up.

Predictors of failed left bundle branch pacing implant in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Importance of left ventricular diameter and QRS morphology.

BACKGROUND: Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is considered an alternative to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, LBBP is not suitable for all patients with heart failure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to identify predictors of unsuccessful LBBP implantation in CRT candidates. METHODS: A cohort of consecutive patients with indications for CRT were included. Clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic variables were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: A total of 187 patients were included in the analysis. LBBP implantation was successful in 152 of 187 patients (81.2%) and failed in 35 of 187 patients (18.7%). The causes of unsuccessful implantation were unsatisfactory paced QRS morphology (28 of 35 [80%]), inability to screw the helix (4 of 35 [11.4%]), lead instability (2 of 35 [5.7%]), and high pacing thresholds (1 of 35 [2.8%]). The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), non-LBBB (left bundle branch block) QRS morphology, and QRS width were predictors of failed implantation according to the univariate analysis. According to the multivariate regression analysis, LVEDD (odds ratio 1.31 per 5-mm increase; 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.63 per 5-mm increase; P = .02) and non-LBBB (odds ratio 3.07; 95% confidence interval 1.08-8.72; P = .03) were found to be independent predictors of unsuccessful LBBP implantation. An LVEDD of 60 mm has 60% sensitivity and 71% specificity for predicting LBBP implant failure. CONCLUSION: When LBBP was used as CRT, LVEDD and non-LBBB QRS morphology predicted unsuccessful implantation. Non-LBBB triples the likelihood of failed implantation independent of LVEDD. Caution should be taken when considering these parameters to plan the best pacing strategy for patients.

Left Bundle Branch Block: Characterization, Definitions, and Recent Insights into Conduction System Physiology.

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is not just a simple electrocardiogram alteration. The intricacies of this general terminology go beyond simple conduction block. This review puts together current knowledge on the historical concept of LBBB, clinical significance, and recent insights into the pathophysiology of human LBBB. LBBB is an entity that affects patient diagnosis (primary conduction disease, secondary to underlying pathology or iatrogenic), treatment (cardiac resynchronization therapy or conduction system pacing for heart failure), and prognosis. Recruiting the left bundle branch with conduction system pacing depends on the complex interaction between anatomy, site of pathophysiology, and delivery tools.

Vasovagal Responses to Human Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: Hemodynamic Implications From Sinus Rate Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Factors determining hemodynamic stability during human ventricular tachycardia (VT) are incompletely understood. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to characterize sinus rate (SR) responses during monomorphic VT in association with hemodynamic stability and to prospectively assess the effects of vagolytic therapy on VT tolerance. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing scar-related VT ablation. Vasovagal responses were evaluated by analyzing sinus cycle length before VT induction and during VT. SR responses were classified into 3 groups: increasing (≥5 beats/min, sympathetic), decreasing (≥5 beats/min, vagal), and unchanged, with the latter 2 categorized as inappropriate SR. In a prospective cohort (n = 30) that exhibited a failure to increase SR, atropine was administered to improve hemodynamic tolerance to VT. RESULTS: In 150 patients, 261 VT episodes were analyzed (29% untolerated, 71% tolerated) with median VT duration 1.6 minutes. A total of 52% of VT episodes were associated with a sympathetic response, 31% had unchanged SR, and 17% of VTs exhibited a vagal response. A significantly higher prevalence of inappropriate SR responses was observed during untolerated VT (sustained VT requiring cardioversion within 150 seconds) compared with tolerated VT (84% vs 34%; P < 0.001). Untolerated VT was significantly different between groups: 9% (sympathetic), 82% (vagal), and 32% (unchanged) (P < 0.001). Atropine administration improved hemodynamic tolerance to VT in 70%. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one-half of VT episodes are associated with failure to augment SR, indicative of an under-recognized pathophysiological vasovagal response to VT. Inappropriate SR responses were more predictive of hemodynamic instability than VT rate and ejection fraction. Vagolytic therapy may be a novel method to augment blood pressure during VT.