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Richard L. Page, MD

JAMA. 2006;295:211-213.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

In the early stages of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) use, the combination of antiarrhythmic drug concurrent with the device seemed redundant, akin to "a belt plus suspenders." Before long it was discovered that, over time, most patients eventually required antiarrhythmic medication in addition to the ICD. In this issue of JAMA, the results of the Optimal Pharmacological Therapy in Cardioverter Defibrillator Patients (OPTIC) trial reported by Connolly and colleagues¹ raise the issue of whether antiarrhythmic therapy, plus a -blocker, should be initiated at the time of initial ICD implantation in an effort to reduce the likelihood of ICD shock. To respond to this question, it is important to examine the interaction of antiarrhythmic drug therapy with the ICD, and the consequences of such a combination.

Antiarrhythmic medication is administered in patients with an ICD for a number of reasons. Most importantly, drug therapy can reduce . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Author Affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.

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Comparison of -Blockers, Amiodarone Plus -Blockers, or Sotalol for Prevention of Shocks From Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: The OPTIC Study: A Randomized Trial
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