Modifications in the evolution of the dominant frequency in ventricular fibrillation induced by amiodarone, diltiazem, and flecainide: An experimental study

In 22 anesthetized mongrel dogs, spectral methods were used to analyze the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) for the time course of the dominant frequency in ventricular fibrillation and its modifications under the influence of amiodarone, diltiazem, and flecainide. The ECG was recorded over 5 minutes after triggering ventricular fibrillation. Following A/D conversion and by applying the Fourier fast transform, the frequency spectrum of the signals was obtained. In group 1 (5 dogs), the ECGs were obtained without prior drug administration; group 2 (5 dogs) first received amiodarone, 5 mg/kg; group 3 (7 dogs) received diltiazem, 0.2 mg/kg; and group 4 (5 dogs) received flecainide, 2 mg/kg. All drugs were administered intravenously. An initial increase in the dominant frequency of ventricular fibrillation was found in the control group and also in the groups that received amiodarone, diltiazem, or flecainide. Diltiazem significantly increased the dominant frequency and diminished the arrhythmia-slowing process. Amiodarone and flecainide tended to diminish the dominant frequency.