title: Ventricular arrhythmias: device therapy and ablation.
abstract: There are few randomized, well-controlled studies to guide decision making with respect to the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias in the elderly treated with either device implantation or catheter ablation. Although some data are conflicting, the elderly appear to have a greater degree of risk related to treatment compared with younger ones; however, this increased risk is in part a consequence of age itself and comorbid conditions. Conversely, in terms of benefit, although the data may again be mixed, there is ample information indicating that age should not contraindicate aggressive treatment when accepted indications for intervention exist.
authors.affiliation: Electrophysiology Section, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, 9 Founders Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Man
authors.forename: Andrew E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Epstein
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis