Mechanical Alternans Study

Study of Mechanical Alternans for Prediction of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias

The purpose of this study is to determine whether mechanical alternans (alternating strong and weak heart beats with a constant beat-to-beat interval), can be used to predict malignant ventricular arrhythmias, requiring defibrillation or appropriate ICD therapies, and to predict progression of heart failure and death.

Inclusion Criteria:

• structural heart disease
• ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• age < 18 years old