VF

Patients who have had an episode of VF may prevent further VF episodes with an ICD. For other patients, it may be more advisable to initiate preventive therapy with antiarrhythmic drugs.

People who have ischemic heart disease may be offered treatment aimed to restore normal oxygenation to the heart muscle, thus preventing arrhythmias. Patients with cardiomyopathies may require special procedures, including cardiac transplantation.

Some public places like casinos and commercial aircraft are now equipped with automated external defibrillators, and these machines are also available for individuals to keep them at home. The use of the automated external defibrillator has proven to be life-saving. Another option for individual use is a defibrillator vest.

It is a good idea for family members and friends of both VF survivors and patients with heart disease in general to take a CPR course. CPR courses are locally available through the American Red Cross, hospitals, or the American Heart Association.