We have a long way to go in the management of simple premature beats, more complex extra beats, ventricular tachycardia, and the prevention of ventricular fibrillation, which is the cause of death in many heart patients. Questions still to be answered include the following:
1. Are the drugs effective in suppressing the abnormal rhythm?
2. Do they prevent ventricular fibrillation and prolong life, especially during and after a heart attack?
3. How serious are their side effects, including the preci¬pitation of more dangerous heart rhythms?
4. Is their use justified in the given individual?
At present, partial success with the use of complex drug combinations in the seriously ill has been achieved, yet life has not been prolonged. In addition to toxicity, several visits to the doctor and cost must be justified.