Brian Olshansky, MD: From the Division of Cardiology, University of Iowa Hospitals

The effects of recurrent tachycardia after resolution of cardiomyopathy have not been thoroughly assessed. We evaluated and followed 24 patients with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy for more than 12 years. Our observations showed that patients with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy may be at long-term risk for sudden death. Surreptitious cardiomyopathy due to occult ultrastructural changes may persist. It has yet to be determined whether rapid and aggressive rate control would prevent structural damage to risk of sudden cardiac death.