Ventricular fibrillation in a medically supervised cardiac exercise program. Clinical, angiographic, and surgical correlations

Abstract

Patients (5) with ischemic heart disease were resuscitated after experiencing ventricular fibrillation in a medically supervised exercise program. Four subsequently had successful myocardial revascularization (3 prior to hospital discharge), and 3 have returned to an exercise prescription of reduced intensity. Multivessel operative coronary disease is common in patients experiencing ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation may occur unpredictably (2-48 mo.) in duration of exercise. Exercise fitness centers for such patients should be medically supervised and equipped with a defibrillator and appropriate drugs.